Keystone Sessions

What if the biggest barrier to preparing future leaders isn’t the students—but the systems trying to serve them? In this episode of The Disruption Lab, host Kevin McGinnis sits down with Megan Sturges, President & CEO of Junior Achievement of Greater Kansas City, to explore how we can reimagine education to actually prepare students for the real world—not just standardized tests. Megan shares powerful, personal stories of impact—including how a pair of 8th-grade twins used Junior Achievement to launch lifelong dreams—and breaks down the six must-have competencies every student needs in today’s economy, from critical thinking to cultural agility. You’ll hear why collaboration is the most underrated skill in entrepreneurship, how real-world learning is reshaping confidence in the classroom, and why we can’t keep relying on passionate individuals to hold broken systems together. Whether you’re a founder, educator, policymaker, or parent, this episode will challenge how you think about workforce development, youth empowerment, and the future of learning. Listen in to discover: Why “soft skills” are now power skills—and the real currency of the future How Junior Achievement is turning simulation into transformation What most education systems get wrong about scale and sustainability The overlooked connection between instant gratification and generational debt Why giving students a platform is the key to unlocking hidden leadership Recorded live at Keystone Sessions. Brought to you by the Keystone Innovation District.

What if the biggest barrier to preparing future leaders isn’t the students—but the systems trying to serve them? In this episode of The Disruption Lab, host Kevin McGinnis sits down with Megan Sturges, President & CEO of Junior Achievement of Greater Kansas City, to explore how we can reimagine education to actually prepare students for the real world—not just standardized tests. Megan shares powerful, personal stories of impact—including how a pair of 8th-grade twins used Junior Achievement to launch lifelong dreams—and breaks down the six must-have competencies every student needs in today’s economy, from critical thinking to cultural agility. You’ll hear why collaboration is the most underrated skill in entrepreneurship, how real-world learning is reshaping confidence in the classroom, and why we can’t keep relying on passionate individuals to hold broken systems together. Whether you’re a founder, educator, policymaker, or parent, this episode will challenge how you think about workforce development, youth empowerment, and the future of learning. Listen in to discover: • Why “soft skills” are now power skills—and the real currency of the future • How Junior Achievement is turning simulation into transformation • What most education systems get wrong about scale and sustainability • The overlooked connection between instant gratification and generational debt • Why giving students a platform is the key to unlocking hidden leadership Recorded live at Keystone Sessions. Brought to you by the Keystone Innovation District.

What if the secret to building a thriving business was hiding in packages the world forgot? In this episode of The Disruption Lab, host Kevin McGinnis sits down with Dee Pack, CEO of Cargo Largo, a company that turned undeliverable shipments and surplus inventory—what most consider waste—into a high-growth enterprise processing over 30,000 shipments a week. You’ll learn how Dee transformed a niche supply chain challenge into a scalable business model through incremental innovation, proprietary tech, and a deep commitment to culture and community. From developing a custom inventory control system before barcodes were the norm, to launching a backpack program for homeless students, this episode is packed with lessons in leadership, logistics, and long-term vision. Whether you’re into supply chain disruption, operational innovation, or building businesses from scratch, this episode will change how you see “waste” forever. Listen in to discover: •Why “undeliverable” doesn’t mean “worthless” •How Cargo Largo prices 100,000 unique items a week using custom tech •The leadership system that keeps culture and accountability aligned •Why community impact isn’t an afterthought—it’s a business strategy Recorded live at Keystone Sessions. Brought to you by the Keystone Innovation District.