Kristine Michie on Stirring Up Impactful Change Through Joy and Optimism
Release Date: 08/13/2025
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info_outlineIn this Blue Sky conversation, Kristine Michie describes her path to a career marked by sparking joy in people and organizations to facilitate positive and impactful change. Earlier this year, she hosted Bill Burke on her PlayFull podcast and with this episode, the tables are turned and the result is a fun, inspiring conversation on the power of fun, joy, and optimism.
Chapters:
02:05 Meet Kristine Michie
Kristine Michie, founder of Impactfull, Inc. and host of the PlayFull podcast, joins Bill to discuss her journey and the importance of joy in making a difference. They delve into Kristine’s background and her unique approach to change-making.
04:00 Stirring It Up: Kristine’s Early Activism
Kristine shares her early experiences in activism, starting from her first political campaign at the age of four. She reflects on how her family influenced her commitment to social justice and making a difference.
08:29 From Journalism to Philanthropy
Kristine recounts her transition from journalism to the nonprofit sector, highlighting her disillusionment with traditional politics and her desire to make a meaningful impact. She discusses her journey into grant writing and philanthropy.
10:34 The Power of Joy in Change-Making
Kristine explains how her focus has shifted towards incorporating joy and play into serious work. She discusses her podcast and retreats that emphasize the importance of joy in fostering effective change.
16:00 Integrating Joy into Nonprofit Work
Bill and Kristine explore the skepticism some organizations may have towards integrating joy into their work. They discuss how shared laughter and play can enhance productivity and create a positive work environment.
20:38 Redefining Productivity and Community
Kristine shares insights on redefining productivity and the importance of community-building over traditional metrics. She emphasizes the value of joy and connection in achieving meaningful outcomes.
24:03 Innovative Retreats and Team Building
Kristine describes her unique approach to retreats and team-building exercises, incorporating creative activities like typewriting and cooking classes. She illustrates how these experiences foster collaboration and innovation.
30:03 Imagining the Unimaginable
Kristine and Bill delve into the importance of imagination in activism, discussing generational differences in receptivity to change. They explore how joy and play can break down barriers and foster collaboration across age groups.
32:15 The PlayFull Podcast Journey
Kristine shares her journey into podcasting, highlighting her background in journalism and her desire to create meaningful conversations. She reflects on the ease of starting a podcast compared to publishing a book and the excitement of connecting with new voices.
36:01 Finding Inspiring Voices
The conversation shifts to how Kristine sources guests for her podcast, emphasizing the abundance of good people working to make a difference. They discuss the joy of discovering new stories and the interconnectedness of those in the social sector.
40:12 Looking Ahead: New Ventures
Kristine outlines her upcoming projects, including a new camp for nonprofit leaders and her aspirations for future books. The discussion reflects her commitment to uplifting others and the joy she finds in her work.
43:39 A Sweet Conclusion
As the episode wraps up, the host expresses gratitude for Kristine’s insights and the playful nature of her podcast. They share a light-hearted moment talking about ice cream, reinforcing the theme of joy in their conversation.