Special Edition: Inside TIGER 21 of Kansas City – Wealth, Wisdom, and the Power of Peer Connection

In this special edition of The Corporate Couch, we explore the elite world of TIGER 21 with Kansas City Chairs Heidi Lehmann and Joe Kessinger (see their bios below). For high-net-worth individuals navigating success, succession, and significance, TIGER 21 is the global peer network that offers more than just financial advice, it provides a trusted community, deep reflection, and powerful perspective.

Heidi, a five-time tech entrepreneur and nationally recognized investor, and Joe, a veteran finance executive and serial founder, explain what makes TIGER 21 so unique—and why Kansas City is not only hosting one, but now two thriving groups.

In this conversation, we cover:

• What TIGER 21 is and why it matters more than ever for ultra-successful individuals

• How Portfolio Defense® invites radical transparency and life-changing feedback

• The reasons behind KC’s rapid growth as a TIGER 21 hub (hint: it’s more than money)

• How global connections—from London to Dubai—extend far beyond Kansas City

• The trust and vulnerability that power every member’s journey

• The ideal time to join TIGER 21 (especially post-exit or after a major life change)

• The heartland expansion: why members are coming from Des Moines, Tulsa, Omaha, and beyond

Whether you’re a founder who just had a liquidity event, a second-gen family office leader, or someone quietly seeking deeper community and guidance at the highest level, this episode offers a rare peek into one of the world’s most powerful networks for wealth holders.

To learn more, visit tiger21.com or reach out to Heidi (email: heidi.lehmann@tiger21chair.com) and Joe (email: joe.kessinger@tiger21chair.com) for a personal conversation.

 

About Heidi: Heidi E. Lehmann is the Chair of Kansas City 02. She’s a seasoned investor, board member, and five-time startup founder leading high-impact global tech deals. As Strategic Director of Ligo Partners she collaborates with Family Offices globally to source investments in startups, venture funds, and real estate. Heidi has co-founded and scaled companies like Kenzen (industrial IoT, $30M raised) and Third Screen Media (acquired by AOL for $105M). She advises startup CEOs and holds board and advisory roles. As co-founder of KC Future’s DAO, Heidi drives blockchain innovation in Kansas City. She also serves as Business Advisor to Critical Materials Crossroads, a coalition focused on the energy transition, and co-produced the media franchise "Queen Boss" (acquired by Viacom/CBS). Featured in Forbes, WSJ, NYT, and more, Heidi is a sought-after speaker at top conferences like SXSW and Mobile World Congress. Heidi enjoys travel, art, sports, her Peloton bike, KC BBQ, and spending time with family and friends.

About Joe: Joe Kessinger is the Chair of Kansas City Group 01, which he launched in 2022. A business advisor/financer with 35+ years of experience in business development, accounting/tax, corporate value enhancement, family business transitions, corporate finance, and merger/acquisition advisory services. Joe has experience from start-up companies to a CPA with two Big 4 accounting firms. He is the founding member of several organizations, including Collaborative Capital- a network of high-net-worth individuals and family offices that share investment opportunities. A 4th generation Kansas Citian, he is the father of a son and two daughters and enjoys gardening, golf, pickleball, and cooking.