More Than A Coach Part I - Vonn Webb

More Than A Coach Part I - Vonn Webb

EPISODE OVERVIEW This is the first of a two-part episode.  Dwayne Smith and co-host Rudy Davis sit down with Rudy's friend — Vonn Webb, a 1981 Junction City High School graduate who went on to become one of the most decorated high school basketball coaches in the state of California: two CIF state championships, an 85% winning percentage, and a hand in developing NBA players like Chris Jeffries and Deshaun Stevenson. Vonn also served as an assistant coach in Division I programs, including Wyoming, UC Riverside, and Fresno State, and co-directed Jalen Green's elite AAU program.   Part I traces Vonn's journey from the wrestling mats and basketball courts of Junction City, through injury and perseverance in college, to building a dynasty at Washington Union High School. The conversation delves into NIL, the transfer portal, the motivations of today's athletes, and the mentors who shaped all three men. Part II — coming next — delves deeper into Vonn's most personal chapter: the loss of his son, Taelin, and the founding of the Stay Shaded Foundation.   TIMESTAMPS   0:00  —  Show Intro & Theme          "Power and control is a lifelong struggle for each of us." 0:33  —  Welcome & Episode Introduction           Dwayne and Rudy set the stage  1:02  —  Why This Episode Is Personal           Dwayne reveals the Junction City connection between Rudy and Vonn. 1:30  —  Introducing Vonn Webb           Rudy walks through Vonn's credentials: 2 CIF titles, 85% win percentage, NBA player development, Division I coaching, and Jalen Green's AAU program. 2:22  —  Growing Up in Junction City           Vonn shares stories about his uncle Rico Webb, childhood friendships, and the coaches who first shaped him. 3:13  —  From Wrestler to Baller           Vonn was a state-level wrestler — but his friends played basketball. He switched sports freshman year, and Coach Gibson wasn't happy about it. 4:55  —  The Coach Who Made Him Fall in Love With the Game          Mike Copemeyer — junior high teacher and coach — worked with Vonn the way trainers do today, long before training was a thing. 6:40  —  Larry Dixon & Upward Bound: The Mentor Who Changed Everything           Larry Dixon opened the gym, enrolled Vonn in Upward Bound at Kansas State, and gave him direction when he needed it most. Vonn's grandmother told him that if he was going to college, he'd need a scholarship. 7:47  —  Junction City as a Life Advantage          Rudy asks whether growing up in a military town — with its diversity and transience — gave them a unique edge. Vonn: "A hundred percent." 8:59  —  The Winding Road to College           Broken ankle the night before the season opener. Recruitment dried up. Neosho County, then a walk-on at Kansas State. Then a back injury that sidelined him for nearly three years. 13:14  —  Western New Mexico & the Football Detour          A coach spots Vonn in a men's pickup game and offers him a scholarship. Vonn winds up as an all-conference football player at a school he discovered by accident. 14:42  —  From Player to Coach: The Transition           Vonn turned down pro opportunities in Canada (football) and Australia (basketball) to start teaching and coaching in Fresno. He was always a captain — student council, JROTC, Komo Mantas president — so leadership was never a leap. 17:22  —  Building Champions at Washington Union High School           Vonn opens the gym on weekends, brings in NBA players (including Rod Higgins), and builds a culture from scratch. First year: 31–1, state championship. Two titles in four years. Never lost a league game. 23:27  —  More Than Wins: The Kids Who Mattered Most          Vonn reflects on the student-athletes who never made the NBA — Keith Skanya, Maurice Moore — who became great fathers, businesspeople, and coaches. Former players reach out every Father's Day and birthday. His wife calls it a blessing and a curse. 26:50  —  Are Kids Different Today? The Frank Martin Quote           Dwayne raises Frank Martin's famous quote: "Kids haven't changed. It's the adults who changed." Vonn responds directly — and talks about parents who stopped holding kids accountable. 29:10  —  Power in Sports Today: NIL, Money & the Transfer Portal           Vonn breaks down who has power in college sports now. The Power Four schools are back in control. Mid-majors used to compete by developing overlooked talent — that edge is gone. The best players follow the money. 31:10  —  How Do You Motivate an Athlete Who's Already Getting Paid?          Vonn Dwayne and Rudy unpack the coaching challenge of NIL — when you can't bench a paid player without hurting your own team, accountability gets complicated. "That's part of the reason coaches have gotten out of the game." 34:16  —  Preview of Part II & Closing           Dwayne closes Part I and teases what's coming: Taelin's story, the Stay Shaded Foundation, and what it really means to shift the power balance.   ABOUT OUR GUEST   Vonn Webb Coach | National Speaker | Founder, Stay Shaded Foundation   Vonn Webb is a 1981 graduate of Junction City High School and a former Division I Men's Basketball Coach with over 30 years in education and athletics. As a high school head coach at Washington Union High School in Fresno, California, he compiled an 85% winning percentage, two CIF state championships, and never lost a league game — while developing NBA players including Chris Jeffries (Toronto/Chicago) and Deshaun Stevenson. He later served as an assistant coach at Wyoming, UC Riverside, and Fresno State, and co-directed Jalen Green's Elite AAU program alongside some of the NBA's brightest stars.   After losing his son Taelin to a fentanyl overdose on May 10, 2022, Vonn founded the Stay Shaded Foundation — a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to raising awareness and providing education, resources, and support to families navigating the fentanyl crisis. (Part II of this conversation will go deeper into Taelin's story and Vonn's mission.)   ●      🔗  LinkedIn:  linkedin.com/in/vonn-webb [https://www.linkedin.com/in/vonn-webb/] ●      ❤️  Stay Shaded Foundation:  www.stayshaded.org [https://stayshaded.org/]   YOUR HOST & CO-HOST   Dwayne Smith National Speaker | Leading Legal Authority | Host, Shifting the Power Balance Dwayne Smith is a nationally recognized speaker and employment law attorney specializing in workplace investigations, harassment, discrimination, retaliation, and professional misconduct.    Rudy Davis CEO, Stella Vista Consulting | Co-Host, Shifting the Power Balance  Rudy Davis is the CEO of Stella Vista Consulting, a seasoned business development executive in Telecommunications. 🔗  LinkedIn:  linkedin.com/in/rudy-davis-6a5baa7 [https://www.linkedin.com/in/rudy-davis-6a5baa7/]   RESOURCES & LINKS  ●      🎙️  Podcast:  www.shiftingthepowerbalance.com [https://www.shiftingthepowerbalance.com/] ●      ❤️  Stay Shaded Foundation:  www.stayshaded.org [https://stayshaded.org/] ●      🔗  Vonn Webb on LinkedIn:  linkedin.com/in/vonn-webb [https://www.linkedin.com/in/vonn-webb/] ●      🔗  Rudy Davis on LinkedIn:  linkedin.com/in/rudy-davis-6a5baa7 [https://www.linkedin.com/in/rudy-davis-6a5baa7/] ●      ⚖️  WP Law Solutions KC:  www.wplawsolutionskc.com [https://www.wplawsolutionskc.com/] The podcast episode description was created with the assistance of AI.  This podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes and does not constitute an attorney-client relationship or legal advice.

Advocating with Compassion - Kim Benjamin - Attorney/Entrepreneur

EPISODE OVERVIEW In Episode 11 of Shifting the Power Balance, host Dwayne Smith and co-host Rudy Davis sit down with Kimberly J. Benjamin — founder and managing attorney of Benjamin Law Firm, LLC, one of Missouri's most respected criminal defense and DUI attorneys. Kim brings more than two decades of trial experience, a faculty role at the Trial Lawyers College (TLC), and a reputation for fiercely compassionate advocacy. This conversation explores her path from government service to founding her own firm, what drives her in the courtroom, and how she shifts the power balance for clients facing the criminal justice system. TIMESTAMPED SHOW NOTES - WITH AI ASSISTANCE.  Note: Timestamps are approximate   Opening  (0:00 – 5:00) 0:00   Cold Open   0:30   Disclaimer  —  "The content of this podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice or create an attorney-client relationship." 1:30   Show Overview  —  Dwayne frames the central theme of the episode: what it means to advocate with both power and compassion in the criminal justice system.  Guest Introduction  (5:00 – 9:00) 5:00   Welcoming Kim Benjamin  —  Dwayne introduces Kim Benjamin — founder of Benjamin Law Firm, LLC, criminal defense attorney, DUI law expert, and national speaker. 6:00   Kim in Her Own Words  —  Kim shares a brief personal introduction and what drew her to the law. 7:30   The Title 'Advocating with Compassion'  —  Discussion of why compassion is not a weakness in the courtroom — and why Kim believes it is her greatest strength as a trial lawyer.   Life & Career Background  (9:00 – 18:00) 9:00   University of Missouri & Early Interests  —  Kim reflects on her dual-degree path in Political Science and Speech Communication/Psychology and how those disciplines shaped her approach to persuasion and advocacy. 11:00   George Washington University Law School  —  Kim discusses her decision to attend GWU Law in Washington, D.C. and what the experience taught her about legal rigor. 13:00   Life in Washington — Pentagon & FCC  —  Kim recounts her early post-law-school years working at the Department of Defense and the Federal Communications Commission and what she learned from operating within large government institutions. 15:30   The Turn to Criminal Defense  —  A pivotal moment: Kim explains what drew her away from government work toward criminal defense — and specifically the Missouri State Public Defender's office. 17:00   Rising to District Defender  —  Six years in the public defender system, rising to District Defender. Kim reflects on the pressure, volume, and human weight of that work.  Founding Benjamin Law Firm  (18:00 – 26:00) 18:00   The Decision to Launch  —  Kim talks about founding Benjamin Law Firm, LLC in 2002 — what inspired it, what scared her, and what gave her confidence to take the leap. 20:00   Building a Practice from the Ground Up — The early years: client development, reputation-building, and establishing herself as a go-to DUI and criminal defense attorney in Missouri. 22:00   Rudy's Questions — Entrepreneurship Lessons  —  Co-host Rudy Davis asks Kim about the business side of running a law firm and the lessons she learned as an attorney-entrepreneur. 24:00   Becoming a National Voice  —  Kim discusses her work with the Trial Lawyers College (TLC) and the NCDD and how teaching trial advocacy nationally changed her own practice. Compassionate Advocacy in Practice  (26:00 – 35:00) 26:00   What Compassionate Advocacy Actually Looks Like  —  Kim breaks down how she prepares for and connects with clients who are facing some of the worst moments of their lives. 28:00   The Courtroom as Power Arena  —  Kim on why she loves trials — and why she believes the courtroom is precisely where the power balance can be shifted for the client. 30:00   DUI Law & Science  —  A deep dive into Kim's specialty: the intersection of DUI law and forensic science, and why understanding the science gives her clients a better chance. 32:00   Missouri Ethics Commission  —  Kim discusses her Governor-appointed role on the Missouri Ethics Commission and what public service means to her beyond the courtroom. 34:00   Rudy's Follow-Up — Client Empowerment  —  Rudy asks Kim how she ensures clients understand what is happening in their own cases — and how she gives them a voice in the process. Shifting the Power Balance  (35:00 – 40:36) 35:00   What 'Shifting the Power Balance' Means to Kim  —  Kim reflects on the podcast's title and how it defines her entire philosophy as a defense attorney: being the equalizer for people who feel powerless against the system. 37:00   Advice for the Next Generation of Advocates  —  Kim shares what she tells young lawyers and law students about how to build a career that combines professional excellence with genuine human care. 38:30   The Power Question  —  Dwayne asks the deep closing question: What does it take — not just professionally, but personally — to truly shift the power balance for someone? 39:30   Kim's Answer  —  Kim's closing response on advocacy, courage, and the responsibility every attorney carries for the clients they represent. Sources: * Shifting the Power Balance Podcast [https://www.shiftingthepowerbalance.com] * Kim Benjamin – LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/kim-benjamin-00226636/] * Benjamin Law Firm / DWI Criminal Law Center [https://www.dwicriminallawcenter.com] This podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes and does not constitute an attorney-client relationship or legal advice.

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.  This podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes and does not constitute an attorney-client relationship or legal advice.

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 This podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes and does not constitute an attorney-client relationship or legal advice.

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 This podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes and does not constitute an attorney-client relationship or legal advice.