Spotlight: Jonathan Davey
From the Farm to the Frontlines of Culture: How Jonathan Davey is Helping KC Redefine Work
At New2KC, we love nothing more than showcasing people who bring their whole selves to the city—and Jonathan Davey is doing just that. As a Kansas City native turned boomerang entrepreneur, Jonathan’s story is rooted in homegrown values, sharpened by national experience, and powered by a passion to make work… actually work.
Born and raised on a farm in the Northland, Jonathan left Kansas City as a young adult to explore life and career opportunities elsewhere—ultimately finding his way to Seattle, where he launched his first business. But like so many before him, the magnetic pull of KC brought him back. Now settled in Liberty, Jonathan is not only rediscovering his hometown, but reimagining what workplace culture can look like through his company, Renew Your Workplace.
From Higher Ed to Human Potential
Jonathan’s career began in higher education before he made a bold pivot into human resources. That shift laid the groundwork for what would eventually become Renew Your Workplace, a consultancy focused on creating vibrant, people-first workplace cultures for small and mid-sized organizations.
“Renew Your Workplace is all about helping people love where they work,” Jonathan explains. “We work with managers, leaders, and entire organizations to remove the barriers that cause a poor employee experience and build environments people actually want to be part of.”
Originally founded in Seattle under the name Intellego—Latin for “to realize”—Jonathan has since rebranded and relocated the company with a fresh mission: helping Kansas City become the employer destination of choice.
“If we have more organizations in KC that truly care about their people, more talent will come here,” Jonathan says. “It’s not just about creating great places to work—it’s about fueling a community where people want to stay, grow, and thrive.”
Strengths-Based, Human-Focused
Jonathan brings a unique lens to his work, shaped in part by his training as a Gallup-Certified Strengths Coach. His passion for personal development and leadership growth runs deep, and it’s one of the things that makes his approach so distinctive.
“I’m hoping to connect with other leaders who truly value this kind of work,” he shares. “We all bring different life experiences to the table, and I focus on helping people understand how they naturally show up—then use that insight to build stronger, more respectful relationships. It’s about creating real harmony across our differences, not despite them.”
Building Roots in KC—Again
Since returning to Kansas City, Jonathan hasn’t wasted time jumping into local life. He’s deeply involved in the Mid-America LGBT Chamber of Commerce, where he’s not only a member, but an impact partner—actively sponsoring events and supporting the LGBTQ+ business community. He’s also connected with the Smithville Chamber of Commerce just north of the city and serves on the board of Roots & Round, a group that works to bridge generational gaps through dialogue, education, and appreciation.
Another KC group he’s excited about? The Kansas City AI Club. “They’re doing amazing work bringing AI conversations to the community in a really accessible way,” he says. “I love watching how fast they’re growing.”
Looking Forward—and Giving Back
While Jonathan’s professional goal is to continue growing Renew Your Workplace into a household name in Kansas City’s business ecosystem, his larger mission is about reinvestment.
“I want this business to be a vehicle that gives back,” he says. “That’s why I love working with Chambers and buying local—when we put money and intention back into our own neighborhoods, we all rise.”
Jonathan’s Advice for Newcomers
Thinking about making the move to KC? Jonathan offers practical—and local—wisdom:
“Get ready to drive. Seriously, make sure your car’s in good shape and you’ve got a solid Spotify playlist,” he laughs. “But also, get ready for a city that’s wonderfully eclectic. The culture, the food, the people—it’s all here, and it’s growing fast.”
He’s especially excited about new initiatives like Keystone CoLAB and the revitalization of the Crossroads and Kauffman Center areas. “I’ve been amazed at how much energy there is here,” he says. “It’s inspiring to see how much we’re growing—and to be part of shaping what comes next.”
Get Connected
Jonathan may not be too active on social media (a conscious choice he made back in 2020), but he’s always open to connecting the old-fashioned way. You can find him on LinkedIn or through his website at Renew Your Workplace. “My number’s out there—shoot me a text, give me a call,” he says. “I love connecting face-to-face. That’s where the real magic happens.”
Jonathan’s journey is a powerful reminder that coming home doesn’t mean going backward. It’s a chance to reinvest, reimagine, and rebuild—with new insight and even deeper roots.
We’re thrilled to have Jonathan Davey back in Kansas City, and even more excited about the impact he’s already making—and will continue to make—as he helps shape a city where people don’t just work… they thrive.
Be sure to check back next week as we spotlight more Kansas Citians building bold new futures in and for KC- this time highlighting our friend, Fiona Lin, a global business transformation executive!
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