The Executive Shift with Kim Borchers

Latest Episodes:

S1 EP10: Alana McWilliams | Rethinking How We Educate Our Kids Oct 08, 2026

Show notes

Kim sits down with Alana McWilliams, a candidate for the Kansas State Board of Education, to discuss the challenges facing public education and what meaningful education reform could look like. A parent, entrepreneur, literacy advocate, and co-founder of Designed to Learn, Alana brings both personal and professional experience to the conversation, including her work advocating for students with dyslexia and evidence-based reading instruction. They discuss literacy, accountability, teacher support, and the importance of giving every Kansas student access to an education that works.

S1 EP9: Scott Darnell | Training the Next Generation of Leaders Sep 10, 2026

Show notes

Scott Darnell has spent his career where politics, policy, communications, and government all meet. He served as a senior advisor and deputy chief of staff to New Mexico Governor Susana Martinez, so he knows firsthand what it takes to turn an administration's priorities into real action. That experience is what led him to co-found the Reformers Academy, where he's now Executive Vice President, training the next generation of leaders to navigate the challenges of governing and public policy.

S1 EP8: Kristi Putnam | Leading Transformation in the States Aug 13, 2026

Show notes

From the classroom to the front lines of public policy, Kristi Putnam spent her career turning hard questions about health, education, and human services into real reform, leading transformation efforts in Kentucky, Florida, and as Secretary of the Arkansas Department of Human Services.

S1 EP7: Special Guest Michael Austin with a Twist! Jul 23, 2026

Show notes

S1 EP6: Shawn Sullivan | What It Takes to Lead Jun 11, 2026

Show notes

This week on The Executive Shift, Kim sits down with Shawn Sullivan, President and CEO of Midland Care, to discuss leadership, service, and the future of senior care. Drawing from his experience as Kansas Secretary of Aging, Kansas Chief Operating Officer, and a longtime leader in long-term care, Shawn shares insights on leading large organizations through change, advocating for older adults and individuals with disabilities, and building healthcare systems that prioritize dignity, independence, and innovation. This conversation offers valuable lessons for leaders across every industry who are committed to making a meaningful impact.

S1 EP5: Dr. Arvin Singh | From Healthcare Strategy to Public Service May 14, 2026

Show notes

This week on The Executive Shift, Kim sits down with Arvin Singh, West Virginia Secretary of Health, who serves in the Patrick Morrissey Administration. Dr. Singh shares his journey from healthcare leadership and hospital strategy into public service, along with his perspective on improving healthcare access, driving innovation, and increasing operational efficiency at the state level.

S1 EP4: Kristen Cox | Leading Without Limits Apr 09, 2026

Show notes

Kristen Cox, a nationally recognized leader in government transformation and a pioneer in applying the Theory of Constraints to the public sector, shares her remarkable journey as a leader who has navigated blindness while driving transformation at the highest levels of government. From delivering measurable improvements across Utah's $20B executive branch to navigating complex systems with clarity and purpose, Kristen offers both an inspiring story and a practical framework for real impact. This conversation challenges how we think about limitations, not as barriers, but as the starting point for meaningful, lasting change.

S1 EP3: Dr. Steve Corsi's Journey to Public Service Mar 12, 2026

Show notes

Today on the program, we're joined by Dr. Steve Corsi to talk about leadership when the pressure is on. How do you lead an organization under intense scrutiny, navigate crisis effectively, and ensure taxpayer resources are managed responsibly? We'll also discuss what it takes to bring leadership experience from other sectors into state government and lead in a way that truly serves the public.

S1 EP2: Michael Lanahan | Leadership, Strategy, and Public Service Feb 12, 2026

Show notes

In this episode, Kim sits down with Michael Lanahan, a government leadership expert, consultant, and executive coach, to explore what effective leadership looks like at the intersection of strategy, structure, and public service.

They discuss:

Leading organizations through transformation and growth
Navigating leadership challenges across the public and private sectors
Building structures that support long-term impact and mission-driven work

About the Guest:
Michael Lanahan is a government leadership expert, consultant, and executive coach who guides leaders at the intersection of strategy, structure, and public service. A former government executive and recovering attorney, he regularly partners with executives, boards, and teams across the public and private sectors to drive transformation, growth, and lasting impact.

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Hosted by Kim Borchers

S1 EPISODE 1: Adam Steen | From building business to rebuilding trust in government Jan 12, 2026

Show notes

In the inaugural episode of The Executive Shift, Kim Borchers sits down with Adam Steen, candidate for governor of Iowa, to discuss leadership, public service, and the career moments that change everything. Adam reflects on his journey from professional baseball and ministry into state government—a transition that began when Bird Dog Recruitment & Consulting recruited him into Iowa government as Secretary of Administration. That experience reshaped his view of leadership, accountability, and service, and ultimately set the stage for his run for governor.

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