Episode #237
Matthew Naylor: From Billy Carts to Liberty’s Beacon
Dr. Matthew Naylor (see bio below) grew up in Melbourne, Australia, making billy carts from rubber factory wheels and learning early lessons about independence, possibility, and the common good. Today, he is the President and CEO of the National WWI Museum and Memorial, one of Kansas City’s most iconic institutions and, in Matthew’s words, “Kansas City’s front porch.” In this episode, Jeff talks with Matthew about his Australian childhood, his father’s World War II service, his own early experience as an exchange student in the United States, and the leadership journey that eventually brought him to Kansas City. Matthew shares powerful stories about purpose, stewardship, servant leadership, and why the Museum and Memorial is much more than a place to remember the past. It is a gathering place, a civic symbol, and a beacon for democracy. They also talk about Matthew’s deeply moving connection to Holocaust survivor Sonia Warshawski, the leadership lesson that changed how he thinks about reality versus the preferred future, and why he believes even straight mowing lines and picking up tiny pieces of trash matter when you are caring for sacred ground. This conversation comes during the Museum and Memorial’s centennial year, leading up to the Sept. 21 Centennial Gala at the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts and the debut of "Liberty’s Beacon", a lighting and video installation designed to illuminate the Memorial in a way Kansas City has never seen before. This is a conversation about leadership, memory, democracy, service, storytelling, and what it means to steward something bigger than yourself. And yes, we also cover Australian go-karts, tattoos in World War I, free speech on the lawn, Kansas City’s best view, and why a CEO should never be too important to pick up a piece of paper. This episode is brought to you by... Ever wish your company updates could be less "quarterly earnings report" and more "late-night talk show"? At Pelaccio & Partners, we're revolutionizing internal communications with podcasts that employees actually want to listen to. Imagine podcast episodes that make your employees laugh while keeping them informed. Our founder, Jeff Pelaccio, doesn't just create podcasts; he creates conversations that break through the noise. Whether you're a growing startup or a massive corporation, we turn your company's story into audio gold. Leadership becomes human. Remote teams feel connected. Your message cuts through the clutter. Jeff is happy to share his insights on improving your culture, increasing employee engagement, and retention. You can contact him via LinkedIn or schedule a Zoom call via this link - 15-minute call with Jeff . About Matt: Dr. Matthew Naylor is the President and CEO of the National WWI Museum and Memorial in Kansas City, Missouri. Since beginning his tenure in 2013, Matthew has helped lead the Museum and Memorial through a period of extraordinary growth, including record-setting attendance, philanthropy, educational engagement, community events, digital learning, and national visibility. Under his leadership, the Museum and Memorial has continued to expand its role as one of Kansas City’s most meaningful gathering places, hosting major civic events, championship parades, the 2023 NFL Draft, and the city’s annual Independence Day celebration. Matthew brings more than 30 years of nonprofit leadership experience and has been recognized as Nonprofit PRO’s “Executive of the Year,” one of Ingram’s “50 Missourians You Should Know,” and a recipient of the Native Sons and Daughters of Kansas City’s “Outstanding Kansas Citizen Award.” Originally from Australia, Matthew earned his Ph.D. from Curtin University in Perth and serves on boards for several civic and educational initiatives.
