Hundreds of business leaders discuss metro’s next steps for talent attraction, retention

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KCTV) - Hundreds of business leaders converged on Arrowhead Stadium to discuss what 2025 may hold for talent attraction and retention around the metro.

TeamKC, an initiative of the Kansas City Area Development Council, hosted the annual Training Camp at Arrowhead Stadium on Thursday, Feb. 27. The event celebrated a champion year for talent in the metro, as leaders from around the region were empowered with insights on workforce trends.

“Today, we celebrate the incredible talent that makes our region thrive and the leaders who are shaping the future of work in Kansas City,” said Danielle Hilton, managing director of TeamKC at the Kansas City Area of Development Council. “It’s about building authentic connections, fostering a sense of belonging and leveraging our collective strength to position KC as the place where talent wants to live, work and grow. Together, we’re laying the foundation for a workforce that’s not just prepared for tomorrow — it’s leading the way.”

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To drive authentic connections, team leaders noted that the camp program featured insights from several key leaders who discussed meaningful connections, leadership and workplace dynamics as well as broader community engagement:

Keynote speaker Erin Hatzikostas, founder of b Authentic Inc. and self-proclaimed “Professional Pot-Stirrer,” discussed the impact of authenticity in leadership as she offered insight on how to build transparency, trust and employee engagement.
Jackie Nguyen, founder of Café Cà Phê, shared her journey through the creation of a cultural hub as her businesses emphasized the importance of community building and inclusivity.
The “Tech + Human Connection” explored how organizations can use technology to enhance employee experience and make teams more efficient as they keep a people-first culture. ists included Dick Flanigan, CEO of Digital Health KC, Dr. Aisha Augusta, founder & CEO of SEPOW, Lynnette Husher, director of human resources at Garmin, and Vanessa Jupe, founder & CEO of Leva.

To recognize 2025′s TeamKC MVP, leaders indicated the Kansas City Current was honored for its trailblazing efforts to champion women’s sports and invest in the metro’s future. The award celebrates organizations that have given significantly to make the region a top destination for talent.

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“Every day in Kansas City and at the KC Current, we challenge the limits of what’s possible. With the first stadium in the world purpose-built for a professional women’s soccer team, our club is showcasing just how much this region believes in investing in tomorrow and future generations,” said Dani Welniak, vice president of communications at the KC Current. “We’re excited to be a part of what draws talent from around the world to KC, a place where innovation, opportunity and community thrive.”

Officials also said the TeamKC Scouting Report, a comprehensive analysis of national talent trends and how those affect the metro and guide HR leaders’ strategies, was released. The report returned by popular demand in 2025.

“Hiring challenges continue to evolve, making the resources and relationships built through TeamKC more valuable than ever,” said Amy Lee Sewell, VP – talent acquisition manager at Lockton Companies and TeamKC board co-chair. “By coming together to learn, share and collaborate, we’re not just tackling talent challenges — we’re ensuring that Kansas City continues to shine as a beacon for top talent.”

As the region’s authority on talent acquisition and retention, TeamKC said it has helped attract thousands of employees to the area in the last 10 years and ed major economic development wins - including Google, Panasonic Energy, Meta and URBN, among others.

For more information about TeamKC, click HERE.