Tag Archives: Blog

Beyond the Org Chart: What Leadership Really Means

As we approach graduation season, we’re not just celebrating accomplishments. We are welcoming a new generation of leaders into the workforce. This time of year offers a natural moment to pause and reflect on what leadership really means beyond titles and organizational charts.

At its core, leadership is built on trust. People need to believe that you have their best interests at heart. That belief isn’t established through authority. It’s earned through consistency, integrity, and genuine care for others. The most effective leaders understand that influence is not measured by how many people report to them but by how many people choose to follow them. Leadership shows up in how you inspire, guide, and support those around you, regardless of formal structure.

It’s easy to fall into the trap of equating leadership with hierarchy, but true leadership is less about how many layers sit beneath you and more about how far your impact reaches. Can you bring people together around a shared purpose? Can you create alignment where there is uncertainty? Can you elevate others, even when you don’t have formal authority?

At its best, leadership is deeply human. It requires heart, the ability to care, to empathize, and to recognize the unique strengths and challenges of everyone. It requires listening not to respond, but to understand. When people feel heard, they feel valued, and when they feel valued, they are more willing to engage and contribute meaningfully.

Strong leaders also embrace the reality that they won’t always have the answers. And that’s not a weakness; it’s an opportunity to empower your team to contribute and offer solutions. Leadership is about bringing people together, harnessing collective insight, and creating an environment where ideas can surface and grow. It’s about getting a group of individuals rowing in the same direction, even when the path isn’t perfectly clear.

As we move into this next season, it’s worth asking: what kind of leader do you want to be remembered as? Not just in moments of success, but in the everyday interactions that define your impact. Leadership that stands the test of time is not loud or self-promoting. It is steady, intentional, and rooted in purpose.

Whether you are just beginning your leadership journey or continuing to grow in it, remember that leadership is less about position and more about presence. And the leaders who leave a lasting mark are those who lead with authenticity, clarity, and a genuine commitment to others.

The KC Advantage: 15 Reasons KC is a Top 15 U.S. Industrial Market

The Kansas City region didn’t become a top 15 U.S. industrial market by accident. It earned its status through decades of strategic growth, intentional investment and a foundation of unmatched connectivity. 

  1. Kansas City enables distribution to 90% of the contiguous U.S. within two days or less by truck.
  2. Four major interstate highways intersect in Kansas City — supported by 30% more interstate miles per capita than any major U.S. metro.
  3. As the largest rail hub in the U.S. by tonnage, Kansas City serves as a critical link in North American freight movement.
  4. The region’s multimodal advantage is strengthened by four Class I rail lines and four intermodal parks.
  5. Kansas City’s location along the largest navigable inland waterway in the U.S. adds a powerful, cost-effective freight option.
  6. KC’s two-state region creates a competitive incentive environment, with a strong mix of state and local programs that offers businesses lower costs and speed-to-market. 
  7. A state-of-the-art terminal at Kansas City International Airport handles more cargo than any other airport in a six-state region.
  8. Kansas City ranked 7th in the U.S. for industrial net absorption in 2025.
  9. Kansas City ranked as a top 15 U.S. city for foreign multinationals to do business.
  10. KC ranks in the top 10 markets for industrial pre-leasing activity, showing confidence in future development.
  11. Nearly 200,000 people are employed in manufacturing and logistics across the region.
  12. More than 1,400 architectural, engineering and construction firms call KC home.
  13. KC Foreign Trade Zones move $2 billion in goods annually, positioning regional operators for more efficient, cost-effective supply chain operations.
  14. 30+ institutions and dozens of industry-aligned training programs work together on tailored solutions that fuel KC’s industrial workforce pipeline.
  15. Kansas City consistently ranks among the most affordable major metros for industrial real estate, labor and operating costs.

Want to learn more about why you should invest in KC? See about why KC stands out.

Smarter A/E/C Workflows, Powered by AI

AI is no longer a future concept for the design + construction industry – it’s a present-day differentiator, reshaping workflows, decision-making and collaboration.

There are currently more than 90,000 AI platforms globally, and the pace of development is unlike anything seen before. But despite the noise, the core principle is simple: AI is only as effective as the data behind it — making strong data management a critical foundation, guided by human insight, for any firm looking to use these tools effectively.

Across the industry, KC firms are beginning to use AI both as an efficiency tool and a thought partner. That means offloading repetitive, non-billable tasks like filing timesheets or formatting specs, while also using AI to explore ideas and identify risk earlier. The goal isn’t replacement; it’s enhancement. Teams that embrace a “human-in-the-loop” approach are finding ways to streamline processes without losing critical oversight.

One emerging concept is the rise of personal AI agents. Instead of a single tool, firms can build networks of agents that communicate with each other and function almost like a digital workforce. This means smoother information handoffs between design teams, engineers and contractors — further strengthening the collaborative approach that defines KC’s A/E/C industry while reducing delays and improving accuracy. 

There are also broader opportunities for the KC region. AI-driven infrastructure, including data centers, is opening the door to new forms of economic development. Concepts like heat-sharing, where excess heat from data centers is reused for adjacent developments such as vertical farming, highlight how sustainability and innovation can align.

For A/E/C leaders, the path forward isn’t about chasing every new tool. It’s about starting where you are, within existing platforms, and thoughtfully rethinking workflows. The firms that do this well won’t just work faster; they’ll work smarter, collaborate better and position themselves to win more projects.

Thank you to our partners, David Johnson, Jeff Danley, Josh Greenfield, Aaron Mendonca and Drew Peterson for sharing their insights on AI in the design + construction industry at our April 2026 Innovation Shop Talk.

To keep up with KC’s design + construction industry, follow KC Global Design on LinkedIn.

Rethinking Innovation: Why the Future Isn’t Limited to Big Cities

Innovation doesn’t just happen in major metropolitan hubs, it happens everywhere. When I spent the day in Wamego, Kansas, with the Axiota leadership team, local employees, Kansas State University partners, and community members, I was struck by a powerful reminder: when communities embrace innovation, the impact can be transformative.

Innovation is often framed as something reserved for large cities, where access to capital, talent, and infrastructure is concentrated. But the reality is broader. Ideas are born in places of all sizes. What determines their success and impact is whether a community is willing to support, nurture, and grow them.

Wamego is a compelling example of this in action.

The story of Axiota Animal Health began with a scientist from South Africa who set out to enter the U.S., the largest market in the world. Initially landing in Denver, it was ultimately a connection with Kansas State University that led to a pivotal decision: establishing manufacturing and research and development operations in Wamego.

Today, this Kansas facility supports cattle producers in more than 30 countries, delivering prevention-based, non-antibiotic solutions that improve herd health and performance. Axiota’s products like Lactipro®, a rumen-native probiotic, and Multimin® 90, an FDA-approved injectable trace mineral supplement, reflect the kind of advanced, science-driven innovation happening right in the heart of rural Kansas.

The company’s presence in Wamego is also a testament to the power of collaboration. Located near Kansas State University, one of the nation’s leading veterinary and animal health research institutions, Axiota benefits from access to top-tier scientific talent and ongoing research partnerships. This proximity fuels continued advancement while reinforcing the importance of strong connections between academia and industry.

At the same time, Axiota’s workforce tells a global story rooted in a local community. Team members have come from Brazil, India, the United Kingdom, and across the United States to be part of the company’s mission. Just as importantly, many employees are from the Wamego area itself, demonstrating how innovation can create opportunities that both attract global talent and strengthen local economies.

This is where innovation in rural communities feels especially meaningful.

In places like Wamego, the impact of a company like Axiota is visible and personal. It supports jobs, fuels economic growth, and creates new possibilities for future generations. It also reinforces a powerful idea: that rural communities are not just participants in innovation. They can be leaders in it.

As we think about the future, it’s critical to continue supporting entrepreneurs and innovators, not just in urban centers, but in rural communities as well. Because when innovation takes hold in these places, it doesn’t just drive progress, it strengthens the fabric of the community itself.

Axiota’s decision to establish and grow its global headquarters in Wamego highlights what’s possible when innovation meets community support. It’s proof that world-class ideas and companies don’t need to be rooted in major cities to succeed. They need the right environment, partnerships, and belief in what’s possible.

Record Attendance at KC SmartPort Annual Industry Briefing Underscores Kansas City’s Industrial Momentum

More than 750 industry leaders convened as KC continues to strengthen its position as a top 15 U.S. industrial market

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – April 8, 2026 – KC SmartPort, the industrial-focused affiliate of the Kansas City Area Development Council, welcomed more than 750 industry leaders today at its annual industry briefing, spotlighting the region’s momentum as a top U.S. market for logistics, manufacturing and global investment.

The program featured insights from industry experts, including Lisa DeNight, managing director and head of North American industrial research at Newmark; Didi Caldwell, founder and president of Global Location Strategies; and Dave Harrison, president and CEO of VanTrust Real Estate.

“What we’re seeing across the industrial sector is a clear return to the fundamentals, with both occupiers and investors prioritizing assets that deliver efficiency, connectivity and durable long-term growth potential,” said DeNight, keynote speaker for the event. “In strategically-positioned North American logistics hubs like Kansas City, those priorities are translating into renewed confidence and a measurable uptick in activity.”

A Market Built for Scale and Speed

Boasting a deep talent pool, robust infrastructure and continued success in attracting new industrial operations, the Kansas City region has maintained steady industrial momentum. While many U.S. markets saw negative absorption in 2025, KC ranked seventh in the nation for positive net absorption and in the top 10 markets for highest pre-leasing rate.

Kansas City is also a thriving hub for international investment, attracting $4.43 billion in foreign direct investment over the past five years, creating 5,000 new jobs and occupying 5.7 million square feet of industrial space. The Kansas City Foreign Trade Zones support this growth, facilitating $2 billion in goods flow annually.

Driving Regional Growth

KC SmartPort continues to lead efforts to grow the region’s manufacturing and logistics industries. In the last five years, the initiative has attracted projects representing $6.9 billion in capital investment, over 9,400 jobs and 14 million square feet of space. 

“A top U.S. industrial market, nearly 200,000 industrial workers and a location that can move goods across North America fast — that’s Kansas City,” said Chris Gutierrez, president of KC SmartPort and KC Foreign Trade Zones. “KC provides certainty. In a rapidly evolving world, that’s exactly what companies need to keep growing and serving their customers efficiently, even amid economic headwinds.”

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About KC SmartPort
An affiliate of the Kansas City Area Development Council, KC SmartPort is the authority on industrial operations in the 18-county, two-state Kansas City region. The nonprofit economic development organization promotes and enhances the Kansas City region’s status as a leading North American manufacturing and logistics hub, attracting industrial investment into the market. In the last five years, KC SmartPort has attracted projects representing $6.9 billion in capital investment, over 9,400 jobs and 14 million square feet of space to the KC region. | OneKC.org/KCSmartPort

About the Kansas City Area Development Council (KCADC)

The Kansas City Area Development Council is an economic development nonprofit that promotes the OneKC region’s business and lifestyle assets to companies and talent around the world. Working closely with its two states and 50-plus county and community partners, the region has attracted more than 64,000 new jobs over its 45-year history. KCADC also leads the efforts behind the KC Animal Health Corridor, KC SmartPort, TeamKC and KC Global Design. | OneKC.org

A/E/C Firms Are Betting on KC’s Future

Kansas City’s A/E/C sector continues to scale — with in-market expansions proving this is no coincidence. These recent investments reflect a deeper commitment to the region and reinforce KC’s position as a global hub for design, engineering and construction innovation.

Here are some of the firms that have put that belief into action: 

  • Black & Veatch is advancing a $1.12B headquarters expansion in Overland Park, anchoring a 1-million-sq.-ft. mixed-use campus that will include a 750,000-sq.-ft. HQ, 788 housing units and 137,000 sq. ft. of retail space.
  • DRAW has relocated to the historic 1892 Henney Buggy building at 1400 W 13th St in the West Bottoms, creating a larger, more sustainable workspace.
  • Forge Construction invested more than $2.9M to relocate and expand its Kansas City headquarters, transforming a 10,000-sq.-ft. Crossroads building and creating nearly 20 new jobs in one of the city’s fastest-growing districts.
  • HDR opened a new health-focused architecture studio near the plaza that focuses on healthcare design, including pediatric and research facilities.
  • Helix Architecture + Design deepened its commitment to downtown Kansas City with a new 6,700-sq.-ft. headquarters in the Crossroads’ historic Film Row, blending adaptive reuse with modern workplace design.
  • HNTB reaffirmed its commitment to downtown Kansas City with its relocation to the 591-foot Town Pavilion — the city’s second-tallest building — signaling continued reinvestment in the urban core.
  • JE Dunn Construction invested $20M to renovate its 190,000-sq.-ft., six-story Kansas City headquarters, reimagining the workspace to support evolving work styles, enhance collaboration and deliver a modern, flexible environment.
  • TREKK Design Group more than doubled the size of its Kansas City headquarters by moving to a new South Kansas City office, supporting continued growth for the 120-person, woman-owned civil engineering firm.
  • POPULOUS relocated its global headquarters to a new 100,000+-sq.-ft. collaborative workspace at 1400 Baltimore, consolidating teams downtown and reinforcing Kansas City’s role as a global hub for sports design.

Have a recent expansion or relocation to add? Let us know. 

How KC is Attracting Global Firms — Without Being Asked

By Ashley McDonald, KC Global Design Managing Director

KC Global Design exists to amplify something truly special: an ecosystem of creativity, expertise and impact that stretches far beyond our region. Yes, world-class design + construction work is happening right here in Kansas City. But just as importantly, KC firms are shaping skylines, power systems, stadiums and communities across the globe.

As managing director of KC Global Design, I have the unique privilege of working alongside these firms every day, telling a story that continues to surprise even those of us closest to it. While many know KC for its deep roots in sports architecture — and rightfully so — there’s so much more beneath the surface. This is a multibillion-dollar design + construction industry, powered by more than 80,000 professionals, spanning disciplines and influencing projects at every scale imaginable.

But the real differentiator? It’s not just what happens here. It’s how it happens.

In Kansas City, competition and collaboration coexist in a way that’s rare. You’ll often hear it called “coopetition,” but it’s more than a buzzword. It’s a mindset. Firms compete at the highest levels, yet there’s an unmistakable willingness to share ideas, support one another and elevate the industry as a whole. It’s the belief that when one firm succeeds, our whole ecosystem moves forward — and it’s something people don’t just talk about. They live it.

That culture has created a growing sense of curiosity (and yes, even a bit of FOMO) from outside the region. Firms want to be part of what’s happening here.

While KC Global Design isn’t focused on the recruitment of more A/E/C firms to the region, the pull toward Kansas City is undeniable. The recent expansions of Gensler and Perkins&Will into Kansas City, along with Pape-Dawson’s acquisition of BHC to establish a regional headquarters, are clear signals that this ecosystem is resonating on a national scale. That momentum is also reflected in a number of local firms doubling down on Kansas City with recent in-market expansions. 

And we’re just getting started.

With Kansas City preparing to welcome the world in the months ahead, the spotlight is only getting brighter. The foundation is already here: talent, collaboration and a shared commitment to excellence across design + construction. What comes next is an even bigger opportunity: to showcase not just what we’ve built, but how we’ve built it, together.

Because in Kansas City, design + construction isn’t just an industry, it’s a collective force. And its impact is only growing.

To keep up with KC’s design + construction industry, follow KC Global Design on LinkedIn.

Axiota Animal Health Names Wamego, Kansas, as Global Headquarters

Move strengthens the KC Animal Health Corridor as a hub for animal health excellence

WAMEGO, Kan. (March 31, 2026) — Axiota Animal Health, global leader in cattle health solutions, announced today it will name its facility in Wamego, Kansas, as the company’s global headquarters.

The announcement formalizes the longstanding presence of Axiota Animal Health in Wamego, where the company operates manufacturing, research and development, and scientific operations for its products used by cattle producers in more than 30 countries worldwide.

“Wamego has long been a cornerstone of Axiota’s manufacturing and research, so designating it as our global headquarters is a natural next step,” said William (Bill) Weldon, CEO, Axiota Animal Health. “From here, we’re developing and producing technologies that help cattle producers around the world improve herd health and productivity. Leveraging our location within the KC Animal Health Corridor and our longstanding relationship with Kansas State University allows us to drive innovation and attract the top talent the industry demands.”

Located near Kansas State University, the facility benefits from proximity to one of the nation’s leading veterinary and animal health research institutions. That connection helps Axiota attract specialized scientific talent and collaborate with researchers advancing the future of livestock health.

From its Wamego facility, Axiota supports cattle producers worldwide in improving herd health and performance through prevention-based, non-antibiotic solutions. This includes:

  • Lactipro®, the only rumen-native probiotic that delivers Mega e®, proven to promote rumen health and performance.
  • Multimin® 90 (zinc, copper, manganese and selenium injection) is the only FDA-approved injectable supplement that delivers four trace minerals known to support cattle health and reproduction.

The decision highlights the global impact of the KC Animal Health Corridor, a hub stretching from Manhattan, Kansas, to Columbia, Missouri, with Kansas City at its heart. The region, home to the world’s largest concentration of animal health assets, serves as a leading center for life science research, development and collaboration.

“Axiota’s decision to locate its global headquarters in Wamego reflects the industry leadership that continues to define the Corridor,” said Kimberly Young, president of the KC Animal Health Corridor. “Companies here aren’t just participating in the industry — they’re driving the science, technology and production that support animal health and food security around the world.”

About Axiota Animal Health

Axiota Animal Health is an innovation-driven company that discovers, develops and markets products for beef and dairy producers around the world. Axiota’s non-antibiotic solutions prepare cattle to thrive during transition and stress and support producers’ goals of optimal health, performance and animal well-being. | axiota.com

About KC Animal Health Corridor

Representing more than half of the global animal health industry’s sales, and home to over 300 animal health companies, the KC Animal Health Corridor is the largest concentration of its kind worldwide. An initiative of the Kansas City Area Development Council, the Corridor is anchored by Manhattan, Kansas, and Columbia, Missouri, and serves as a thriving hub for innovation and collaboration. | kcanimalhealth.com

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Leading Cattle Health Company Names Global Headquarters in KC Animal Health Corridor

Congratulations to our Kansas partners on Axiota Animal Health’s decision to name its Wamego facility as its global headquarters.

Strategically located between Manhattan and Topeka, the facility has long served as a key hub for the company’s production and research & development. Its proximity to Kansas State University — one of the nation’s leading veterinary and animal health research institutions — and the broader innovation network extending to Topeka and Kansas City enables Axiota to attract top scientific talent and accelerate its product development.

The decision underscores the global significance of the KC Animal Health Corridor, the world’s largest cluster of animal health assets and a leading hub for bioscience research, development and production.

The Kansas City Area Development Council was proud to partner with the following organizations as Axiota selected the KC Animal Health Corridor for its global headquarters:

State of Kansas
Kansas Department of Commerce
Greater Manhattan Economic Partnership
Evergy
Kansas State University

Read the News Release

14 Reasons Kansas City is a Top Design City

Updated March 2026

KC is among the leading cities in the world for architecture, engineering and construction, with a legacy of designing and building a better world — from right here in the Heartland.

  1. More than 1,400 architectural and engineering firms call KC home
  2. KC has more than 6,800 construction firms
  3. 94,000 workers in KC are employed in the A/E/C sector
  4. A/E/C is a $16 billion industry in KC
  5. KC led the Green Revolution in architecture
  6. Nearly half of sports architecture around the world originates in the KC region
  7. KC firms were key to the design of 27 of the 30 NFL Stadiums
  8. Kansas City created the gold standard for Olympic stadiums
  9. 23% of the world’s power systems are designed by KC companies
  10. 9% of global telecommunication systems are designed by KC companies
  11. 10% of the world’s transportation infrastructure and systems are KC-designed
  12. 21 of the top 25 U.S. design firms have a presence in KC — more than any other city
  13. KC has 7th-largest concentration in the U.S. for architecture and engineering jobs; 70% more concentrated than the national average
  14. Colleges and universities in the KC region award 1,400+ architecture and engineering degrees annually


Discover more: Explore why Kansas City is known as the sports architecture capital of the world.