Author Archives: Matt Fulks, Director

THANK YOU for this family!

The following was a letter sent to our donors on behalf of C-10 mentor, Adrienne Harmon. It helps to show the impact of each donor’s gift to C You In The Major Leagues.   YOU have had an incredible impact on my life, so I just wanted to write a short note to say THANK YOU for being a donor to C You In The Major Leagues. Because of your support, I joined C You … Read more

C-10 Podcast: Kathy Nelson, Ep. 169

  In this engaging episode 169 of the C-10 Podcast, Kathy Nelson, President and CEO of Visit KC and the Greater Kansas City Sports Commission & Foundation, joins CYITML Executive Director Matt Fulks for an insightful conversation recorded live at Music Theater Heritage. Speaking in front of C-10 students and mentors, Kathy shares her inspiring journey from her early days in media to leading major sports and tourism initiatives in Kansas City. She discusses the … Read more

C-10 Podcast: Melesa Johnson, Ep. 168

  In Episode 168 of the C-10 Podcast, we sit down with Melesa Johnson, the trailblazing prosecutor for Jackson County, Missouri. Recorded live at Music Theater Heritage, this episode features insightful questions from our students, offering a unique perspective on Melesa’s leadership journey. Melesa shares her experiences growing up in a challenged area, her path through Columbia University and the University of Missouri School of Law, and her rise to becoming the first Black prosecutor … Read more

C-10 Podcast: Sean Hart, Ep. 167

In Episode 167 of the C-10 Podcast, we sit down with Sean Hart, former CEO of George Clinical in Kansas City, to explore his remarkable leadership journey. Sean shares insights from his career in global healthcare, offering valuable lessons on leadership, resilience, and innovation that apply to any industry. This episode delves into Sean’s experiences in scaling businesses, developing leaders, and navigating complex challenges. Whether you’re a seasoned leader or just starting your career, Sean’s … Read more

C-10 Podcast: Mike Garrett, Ep. 166

  In Episode 166 of the C-10 Podcast, we’re thrilled to present a special conversation with Mike Garrett, recorded live at Music Theater Heritage in Crown Center. Led by veteran sportscaster and C-10 mentor Todd Donoho, this engaging discussion captures the wisdom of the 1965 Heisman Trophy winner and Kansas City Chiefs legend. From his groundbreaking career at USC to his memorable years with the Chiefs, Garrett’s journey exemplifies excellence and perseverance. As we release … Read more

C-10 Podcast: Richard Myers, Ep. 165

In Episode 165 of the C-10 Podcast, we present a unique and powerful conversation with General Richard Myers, recorded on a snowy February evening as part of a virtual C-10 session. This special episode, which includes thoughtful questions from our C-10 students, offers unprecedented access to one of our nation’s most distinguished military and educational leaders. General Myers’ remarkable 40-year Air Force career led him to become the 15th Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of … Read more

C-10 Podcast: Sam Brown, Ep. 164

Join us for Episode 164 of the C-10 Podcast, recorded live at Music Theater Heritage inside Crown Center with our C-10 students and mentors. Our guest, Sam Brown, shares a powerful story of resilience and transformation that captivated our audience. After losing both parents by age 11, Sam’s journey was shaped by the guidance of his 23-year-old sister and his own unwavering determination. From playing in the NFL and CFL to becoming a Project Engineer … Read more

C-10 Podcast: Rob Browne, Ep. 163

  In memory of Rob Browne, the CEO of YouthReach International who died on May 1st, we’re revisiting a fun and powerful conversation from 2021 that exemplifies servant leadership and the impact one person can have across the globe. Rob’s unexpected passing, following the loss of his wife to cancer just 13 months ago, leaves a void in many hearts but also a legacy of service that will continue to inspire. From the basketball court … Read more

C-10 Podcast: Shawnie Nix, Ep. 162

  In this special episode of the C-10 Podcast, recorded at Music Theater Heritage in Kansas City’s Crown Center, we welcome Shawnie Nix, whose journey with C-10 exemplifies the power of meaningful mentorship. As a former Kansas City, Missouri police officer, Shawnie brought unique insights when she helped develop the C-10 program as a member of the curriculum committee. Her commitment to youth development grew as she later stepped into roles as both a pinch-hit … Read more

C-10 Podcast: Ryan Lefebvre, Ep. 161

    For more than 25 years, Ryan Lefebvre’s voice has been synonymous with Kansas City Royals baseball. In Episode 161 of the C-10 Podcast, we sit down with Lefebvre, who grew up immersed in baseball as the son of former big league player and manager Jim Lefebvre. Ryan’s journey in broadcasting began at just 19 years old, and after graduating from the University of Minnesota, where he also played baseball, he worked his way … Read more

C-10 Podcast: Matthew West, Ep. 160

  Episode 160 of the C-10 Podcast features a conversation with contemporary Christian music powerhouse Matthew West, recorded during our C You In The Major Leagues’ 10th anniversary celebration in December 2024. In this special episode, Emmy Award-winning Fox 4 anchor Abby Eden teams up with CYITML Executive Director Matt Fulks to co-host an engaging Q&A with Matthew West. Eden, who later served as emcee for the evening’s celebration, helps bring out unique perspectives in … Read more

C-10 Podcast: Danan Hughes, Ep. 159

  Episode 159 of the C-10 Podcast welcomes former Kansas City Chief and current Chiefs Radio Network color analyst Danan Hughes for a special live recording at Music Theater Heritage in Crown Center. In front of our C-10 students and mentors, Hughes shares his fascinating journey from New Jersey to becoming a two-sport star at the University of Iowa, where his athletic prowess caught the attention of both the NFL and MLB. After being drafted … Read more

C-10 Podcast: Matt Stewart, Ep. 158

  Episode 158 of the C-10 Podcast takes listeners on an exciting new journey with our first-ever (and possibly last) “car chat” featuring Fox4 news reporter Matt Stewart. In this unique and intimate setting, we dive deep into Matt’s career, exploring the journey that led him to become a respected figure in the Kansas City media. As we, um, cruise through the conversation, Matt shares invaluable lessons from his days as a college football player … Read more

C-10 Podcast: Mari Foster, Ep. 157

  On Episode 157 of the C-10 Podcast, we’re chatting with Mari Foster, one of this year’s six Blue KC Coaches with Character honorees. Mari has been a coach in the Kansas City Public School District for more than 25 years. She started at Lincoln College Preparatory Academy Middle School in 1998, and then created the Tiger Dance Team in 2005, which reached the state championships just three years later, in 2008. In addition to … Read more

C-10 Podcast: Tim Kluempers, Ep. 156

  For Episode 156 of the C-10 Podcast, we’re featuring Tim Kluempers, the second of six 2024 Blue KC Coaches with Character honorees. Tim started the St. Thomas Aquinas Saints Rugby team in 2007. Under his direction, the Saints have won the Kansas state championship nearly every year, and they’ve competed on the national stage, also. Before getting into coaching, Tim played for the US National Rugby team from 1996-2001, and for the Kansas City … Read more

C-10 Podcast: Jill Courter, Ep. 155

On Episode 155 of the C-10 Podcast, we’re chatting with the July Blue KC Coaches with Character honoree, Jill Courter, the girls golf coach at Blue Springs High School. Jill Courter has worked in the Blue Springs School District for more than 25 years, and has been the golf coach since 2007. During the past 17 years, she had an undefeated team that won the Missouri state championship in 2014, she’s had one individual golfer … Read more

C-10 Podcast: Rob O’Byrne, Ep. 154

In Episode 154 of the C-10 Podcast we’re chatting with Rob O’Byrne, the retired president of CBIZ Employee Services. Before that, he was the President and CEO of other employee benefits firms Robert D. O’Byrne and Associates, and the Grant Nelson Group, before they were acquired by CBIZ in December 1997. Rob O’Byrne, who’s the husband of C-10 Curriculum member and previous C-10 Podcast guest Diane O’Byrne, chats about his career, how leadership has looked … Read more

C-10 Podcast: Brian Bracco, Ep. 153

In Episode 153 of the C-10 Podcast we’re chatting with Brian Bracco, who spent most of his career in leadership at various stations around the country. Most notably for those of us in Kansas City, he was the news director at KMBC — channel 9 — for 13 years, from 1987-2000. He then spent 13 years as Vice President of News for Hearst Television, before spending a little more than four years, 2013 into 2017, … Read more