Professional Services Consulting
About J. Murphy Strategies
The new venture will make John’s unique skillset and management experience available to both private companies and nonprofit organizations as they seek to execute and implement their business strategies as well as identify, grow and nurture their next generation of leaders.
The initial focus of John’s consulting practice will be on the professional services industry. From there, the goal is to expand into other sectors and industries where there is a need. Specifically, J. Murphy Strategies will partner with clients to offer:
Cultivating Leadership
- Coaching for senior executives
- Succession planning
- Lateral integration of key management personnel
- Talent recruitment and executive on-boarding
Building Teams
- Attracting and motivating high-performers
- Maintaining a values-driven culture
- Role definition and team processes
- Instilling ethical decision-making
- Civic engagement
Optimizing Performance
- Crisis management and conflict resolution
- Navigating civic and political dynamics
- Facilitating strategic goals and objectives
- Organizational planning and communication
- Negotiation and economic development
“In a community like Kansas City, there are civic leaders who stand out for their tireless commitment to improving quality of life for our region while also running high-performing organizations…one of those is John Murphy”
– Tim Cowden, President and CEO of the Kansas City Area Development Council
“Over the past five years with our organization, John has shown himself to be an experienced, premier business strategist who has a unique ability to understand how a high-performing, healthy nonprofit sector is inextricably connected to the region’s economy. His expertise will benefit any company, charitable or civic organization seeking to improve results or to reinvent itself.”
– Brent Stewart, President & CEO at United Way of Greater Kansas City
“John understands that diverse and inclusive workplaces are essential for a successful company and he has walked the talk. His leadership and experience in creating and sustaining impactful programs make John an ideal partner as others look to establish and strengthen their capabilities.”
– Veta T Richardson, President & CEO, Association of Corporate Counsel

About John Murphy
Over the past four decades, John has been a transformative leader at Shook, Hardy & Bacon, within the legal industry and in the Kansas City civic community. He has driven significant growth for the firm and been instrumental in the upward trajectory of the Kansas City region through his active involvement with the Kansas City Area Development Council, the Civic Council of Greater Kansas City, the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce, KC Rising, Starlight Theatre and the United Way of Greater Kansas City.
Education
- J.D., Washington and Lee University College of Law, 1979
- B.A., University of Connecticut, 1976 Phi Beta Kappa
Awards
- The Best Lawyers in America (2010-Present)
- Missouri & Kansas Super Lawyers (2005-2010; 2013-Present)
- Most Powerful 250 Business Leaders in Greater Kansas City, Ingram’s
- The Ingram’s 250
- Benchmark Litigation: The Definitive Guide to America’s Leading Litigation Firms & Attorneys (2009-2011)
- 50 Kansans You Should Know, Ingram’s
- 100 Managing Partners You Need to Know, Lawdragon
- Power 100 Guide to the Business Elite, Kansas City Business Journal
- United Way of Greater Kansas City, Chair-Elect, Board of Trustees
- KC Rising, Co-Chair
- Starlight Theatre
- Former Board Chair
- Co-Chair, 2019 Starlight Gala
- Kansas City Area Development Council, Former Member of Executive Committee
- Civic Council of Greater Kansas City, Member
- Lakemary Center Endowment Association, Former Board Chair and Honorary Trustee
- Catholic Education Foundation, Former Board Member
- Economic Development Corporation, Former Board Member
- Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce, Former Board Member