​Special Edition - Business Insights From The 2024 Election With Joni Wickham

In this special edition episode of 'The Corporate Couch,' host Jeff P​elaccio interviews Joni Wickham​ the author of "The Thin Line Between Cupcake and B*tch: Taking Action, Driving Change, and Getting​ Results". ​She also co-founded the public affairs firm Wickham James Strategies and Solutions. They

discuss leadership in corporate America, the influence of the November 5th, 2024 election on leadership and political parties, and how skills from government and politics transition to the private sector. Joni shares her career journey, insights into effective communication and agenda setting, and reflections on major projects like Kansas City's new airport and streetcar. The episode highlights the importance of meeting audiences where they are and the distinction between leadership and politics.

 

00:00 Introduction to The Corporate Couch

01:19 Meet Joni Wickham: From Politics to Private Sector

05:03 Insights on the November 5th Election

07:59 Leadership and Politics: A Delicate Balance

08:58 Wickham James Strategies and Solutions

10:42 Kansas City Projects and Achievements

14:05 Final Thoughts and Resources

15:23 Closing Remarks

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 To learn more, ​about the topics above, please visit the Wickham James website.

 

​J​oni's bio:​ Joni Wickham (LinkedIn) hails from Raleigh, North Carolina, and arrived in Kansas City almost 15 years ago, bringing her distinctive southern accent and extensive experience from diverse governmental and advocacy roles. Joni served as Chief of Staff to former Kansas City Mayor Sly James, contributing to major development projects and elevating Kansas City's reputation nationally and internationally. ​Joni’s honors​ include the 2019 University of Missouri Truman School of Public Affairs Mel Carnahan Public Service Award; and recognition as one of the 50 most influential people in Kansas City. Joni was also honored as a Woman Who Means Business by the Kansas City Business Journal in 2023. In addition to public speaking engagements, Joni leads workshops on a variety of leadership and communications topics and assists clients with their public policy, strategic communications, crisis communications, government relations, and political consulting needs. Additionally, she is celebrated as the author of the best-selling book,​ "The Thin Line Between Cupcake and B*tch: Taking Action, Driving Change, and Getting​ Results".