Emily McNeill

Athlete, Brainstormer, Business adviser, Connector, Entrepreneur, Event planner, Foodie, Idea generator, Philanthropist, Project manager

Emily launched her first company in her early 20's after arriving in Kansas City in 2000. This young entrepreneur sold her second company by 2012, turning her professional focus on the dynamic world of NFL player Eric Berry. Her job description is multifaceted as she sits as Program Director of the Eric Berry Foundation 2012-present), COO for Stuntman Motorsports llc and KC Dojo llc (2016-present) and Professional Manager to Eric Berry. As the seasons shift so do the roles but that is not to say that all roles do not coincide on the same day. Her charity work does not stay under the EB Foundation umbrella as she is quick to assist other organizations. In 2018, she was requested to sit on the Executive Leadership team for TEDxYouth@KC. Graciously accepting she and the TEDxKC team will host on April 13, 2019 as they "Make a Scene". Emily's off time flows an odd direction for a Midwest girl as she is a competitive kayaker and adventurist. During the warm months, her time is spent outside training or finding the highest peak in the US. It may have taken twenty years to understand but work life balance is a must.

Bringing worthwhile visions to life. Bring me an idea and let's let the juices flow. However, bring me an exhausted idea and we will search through to make it worthwhile. Either way we are walking away electric about how great a good vision can be.

My failures have brought me my most valuable knowledge. Business, relationships, competitions- I've failed at least once at every one of them and I am a better person because of it. It takes near hypothermia to teach some lessons but mental trials, figuring it out and coming back out knowing how you could have done it better is what sticks. Learn when it is time to say no, step back, breathe, and pivot.

Event management, Non-profit 501(c)3, Small business start up, Sports industry, Volunteer/Staff management

Becoming intrigued with the TED talks viewable online years ago it was a delight to see TEDx come to KC. I attended the largest TEDxKC event at the Kauffman Performing Arts Center and that only fueled my interest. Colleague Bryan Kitahara worked on one of my EB Foundation committees in 2018 and months later he and I were discussing my role on Executive Leadership Team for the 2019 TEDxYouth@KC event.

Endurance races but let's not talk about that or someone will sign me up for a marathon.