Jonathan Thomas: Leading American Century Investments with Purpose & Impact

In this episode, Frank Boal sits down with Jonathan Thomas, President & CEO of American Century Investments, to explore how one of Kansas City’s most influential financial firms has woven purpose directly into its business model.

Jonathan breaks down the company’s unique ownership structure, where over 40% of profits support life-changing medical discoveries at the Stowers Institute for Medical Research. He shares how this mission-driven approach fuels the company’s culture, values, and long-term strategy, proving that a global investment firm can deliver both performance and impact.

They also dig into American Century’s long-running connection to the American Century Championship in Lake Tahoe — a celebrity golf tournament that blends star athletes, entertainment icons, charitable giving, and national visibility. Jonathan shares behind-the-scenes stories from the event, its philanthropic reach, and how it reinforces American Century’s belief in prospering with purpose.

Whether you’re interested in leadership, philanthropy, finance, Kansas City business, or the intersection of profit and purpose, this episode offers a powerful look at what it means to build a company around making a difference.