The Power of Connection - A Conversation with Kim McGownd

The Power of Connection - A Conversation with Kim McGownd

Episode 10  —  The Power of Connection Guest: Kim McGownd  |  Consultant & Connector, KDM Partner Solutions LLC Runtime: 26 minutes 49 seconds   EPISODE DESCRIPTION What does it really mean to be a connector — and how can the right introduction at the right moment change everything? In this episode of Shifting the Power Balance, host Dwayne Smith sits down with Kim McGownd, Founding Partner of KDM Partner Solutions LLC and one of Kansas City's most strategically generous connectors. Kim takes us from the discipline of competitive gymnastics in small-town Missouri, to pioneering the natural pet food industry, to pressing 'reset' at 40 and building a firm rooted in trust, intentionality, and the quiet power of relationship. Kim and Dwayne explore the critical difference between networking and genuine connection, why stagnation is often a signal rather than a dead end, how power dynamics show up inside organizations, and what it takes to shift them. Kim's philosophy is simple but rare: the right person, at the right time, for the right problem changes everything. And she's built a career proving it. Whether you're an entrepreneur, a leader navigating organizational culture, or someone who knows it's time to make a bold move, this conversation will challenge you to stop collecting contacts and start building connections that actually move the needle.   EPISODE TIMESTAMPS  | TIME | TOPIC | 00:00 | Introduction — Meet Kim McGownd and KDM Partner Solutions | 02:57 | The Power of Connection vs. Networking: What's the Real Difference? | 05:54 | Lessons from Competitive Gymnastics: Discipline, Resilience, and Grit | 09:02 | Pioneering the Natural Pet Food Industry — A Woman Ahead of Her Time | 12:08 | The Impact of Personal Choices on Health, Mindset, and Business | 15:03 | Pressing Reset at 40: The Career Move That Changed Everything | 17:58 | Understanding Stagnation — How to Recognize It and Find Direction | 21:08 | Navigating Power Dynamics Inside Organizations | 23:56 | The Art of the Meaningful Introduction | 26:30 | Shifting the Power Balance: Final Reflections and Challenge to the Listener   KEY TAKEAWAYS •       Authentic connection and strategic networking are fundamentally different — one is transactional, the other is transformational. •       The discipline and mental toughness learned in competitive athletics translate directly into business resilience and leadership. •       Pioneering a market requires both conviction and the willingness to educate — Kim built consumer demand for natural pet food before the mainstream caught on. •       Pressing 'reset' at 40 was not a setback — it was the best business decision Kim ever made, and it gave birth to KDM Partner Solutions. •       Stagnation is a signal, not a sentence. Learning to recognize when you're stuck — and why — is the first step to moving forward. •       Power dynamics are present in every organization. Those who understand them can navigate, influence, and ultimately shift them. •       A great introduction is not just a referral — it's a curated, intentional act of trust that can change the trajectory of someone's business or career. •       Women are expanding their presence in leadership, but the work of building authentic confidence and self-advocacy never stops. •       Building relationships rooted in trust over transactions is a long game — and it's the only game worth playing.   NOTABLE QUOTES  | “Connecting the right people at the right time.” — Kim McGownd | “Networking is a tool to find opportunity — connection is how you build something that lasts.” — Kim McGownd | “Women are widening the gap in leadership — and the work is far from finished.” — Kim McGownd  ABOUT THE GUEST Kim McGownd  —  Consultant & Connector, KDM Partner Solutions LLC Kim McGownd is the Founding Partner of KDM Partner Solutions LLC, a Kansas City-based strategic intermediary firm built on one powerful premise: the right person, at the right time, for the right problem changes everything. A competitive gymnast turned natural pet food pioneer turned connector-in-chief, Kim pressed 'reset' at 40 and built a practice rooted in trust-anchored relationships. She operates across a vetted network of 25+ partner organizations spanning cybersecurity, wealth management, regulatory compliance, legal services, and operations strategy. Kim is also a PGA HOPE Kansas City, MO Chapter Ambassador.   CONNECT WITH KIM MCGOWND LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kmcgownd/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/kmcgownd/]  —  Connect with Kim on LinkedIn Website: https://kdmpartnersolutions.com/ [https://kdmpartnersolutions.com/]  —  KDM Partner Solutions LLC — Official Site KDM About: https://kdmpartnersolutions.com/about [https://kdmpartnersolutions.com/about]  —  Learn more about Kim and KDM's approach   ABOUT THE PODCAST Shifting the Power Balance is hosted by Dwayne Smith, National Speaker, Leading Legal Authority, and workplace investigations expert. Each episode explores how individuals and organizations navigate, influence, and ultimately shift the power balance in business, the workplace, and beyond. Podcasters Note - The contents in this podcast should not be construed as legal advice. This podcast is for entertainment purposes only.

Building a Business from the Ground Up - Anoop Goyal

Summary   In this episode, Dwayne Smith and Rudy Davis speak with Anoop Goyal. Goyal shares his journey from an engineer with patents to an entrepreneur, highlighting the creation of Network Counts, a digital business card app.  Discover how his experiences in Kansas City shaped his approach to innovation, networking, and building a startup from the ground up. Chapters   00:00 From Engineer to Entrepreneur: An Unconventional Journey 07:12 The Birth of Network Counts: Identifying a Need 12:11 Overcoming Obstacles: Trust and Growth in Entrepreneurship 14:54 Future Aspirations: Scaling Network Counts Globally    Resources   Network Counts App - https://apps.apple.com/us/app/network-counts/id6448527922 Anoop Goyal on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/anoopgoyal

KSU - Jerome Tang Update

In this follow-up episode, co-host Rudy Davis and attorney/host Dwayne Smith break down the legal landscape since Jerome Tang's for-cause firing from Kansas State. Topics include Tang's return to Baylor and how it affects his damages claim, the duty-to-mitigate argument, the comparator coaches, K-State's strongest and weakest arguments, the settlement dynamics, and key takeaways for HR professionals and high-profile employees. Timestamps: 0:30 – Introduction & episode overview 1:33 – Jerome Tang lands at Baylor: what happened after the firing 2:46 – The for-cause firing explained 3:16 – Tang's legal team and the threat of a lawsuit 3:52 – How Tang's new job affects his legal case 4:22 – Duty to mitigate damages: the financial math 5:44 – What Tang could allege against K-State 6:19 – The comparator coach: a two-week suspension for worse conduct 7:59 – The football coach comparator (Chris Kleiman) 9:03 – Contract consistency and the disparate treatment argument 9:39 – K-State's defense: the unilateral authority argument 11:36 – K-State's weakest argument 12:22 – What K-State should have done differently 12:56 – Timeline to resolution — and what happens if they can't settle 13:33 – The potential hammer letter and what it signals 14:40 – The bigger picture: NIL and institutional power 15:12 – Who has the power right now 16:59 – Takeaway for HR professionals and executives 17:30 – Closing

Fractional HR Services - A Conversation with Scott Chase

Overview In this episode, Scott Chase, a seasoned HR expert with 25 years of experience, discusses the importance of fractional HR for small and medium-sized businesses. He shares insights on HR strategies, common pitfalls, and practical steps to build a compliant and supportive workplace. Keywords HR, fractional HR, small business, HR policies, employee handbook, workplace culture, HR strategy, compliance, talent acquisition, employee relations Chapters 00:00 Introduction to HR and Scott Chase's Journey 03:05 Understanding the Role of HR in Organizations 05:20 Defining Fractional HR and Its Importance 07:58 Initial Steps in Client Engagement 10:46 The Cost of Ignoring HR in Small Businesses 13:04 The Importance of Employee Communication 15:31 Talent Acquisition Mistakes in Small Businesses 18:04 Adapting to New Generations in the Workforce 20:47 The Essential Employee Handbook 23:09 Valuing People Over Numbers in Business   Resources Scott Chase on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottgchase/] Chief of Staff [https://chiefofstaffkc.com/scott-chase-hr-consultant/]

Choosing To Live

Summary In this heartfelt interview, Amy Sharpe shares her journey through her husband's (Greg Sharpe) cancer diagnosis, their life in Nebraska, and the importance of living fully despite life's challenges. Discover insights on faith, resilience, and the power of living in the moment. Keywords Amy Sharpe, Greg Sharpe, cancer journey, faith, resilience, Nebraska, broadcasting, family, living fully Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Amy Sharp's Journey 04:12 Transitioning to Nebraska: New Beginnings 04:53 Navigating Career Changes and Family Life 07:13 A Family Trip to Hong Kong: Joy and Reflection 09:57 Facing the Cancer Diagnosis 14:40 Living with Cancer: Emotions and Resilience 18:52 Adjusting to Life After Loss 23:17 The Role of Faith in Healing 25:00 Lessons Learned and Messages to Share 27:46 Final Thoughts and Legacy of Greg Sharpe Amy Sharpe LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/amylietz/]