One Spark Stories

One Spark Stories will leave you feeling empowered to live your purpose by taking action on your own dreams. Listen to innovators, creators, and unsuspecting risk takers share about the highs and lows, laughter and tears that lead to find their spark. From interviews to solo sessions, advice to hilarious mishaps, you will gain perspective and confidence to follow the beat of your own drum. Whether you are in pursuit of your own dreams, looking for hope to guide you through those challenges, or simply love hearing stories of everyday people living an extraordinary life, this podcast will inspire you to take action by connecting, creating, and celebrating unique sparks around the globe, once again proving that it is a small world, after all.

Creating Magic by Reframing Women’s Retirement 03/20/2025

Discovering How Disney Creates Memorable Worlds 02/20/2025

The OutSCIder's Guide to Adventure and Education 02/06/2025

Stories of Mouse and Men 12/18/2024

7 Ways to Connect with Your Definition of Creativity 09/04/2024

Transforming Education through Profession-Based Learning 08/28/2024

Transforming Education through Profession-Based Learning "Use this profession based lens as the method to get to self discovery. It helps students make some assumptions about what they like, what they are good at, then gives them a chance to cross check that with professionals that get to know them." Connect witn CAPS CAPS Network website: CAPS Network Coming soon: One Spark Stories podcast Connect with Katie About Katie: Connect with Katie on LinkedIn: Follow Katie on Instagram: Follow the Podcast on Instagram: Key Moments 07:27 Connecting students with mentorship for professional success. 11:15 Embrace discomfort, ask questions, build confidence. 19:42 Kansas City CAPS program encourages student exposure. 26:37 Community members need framework and model. 29:37 Exploring network expansion and partnerships for education. 33:13 Create industry problem-solving opportunities. 40:30 Reflects positively on entrepreneurial program's initial reputation. 53:34 Embracing ambiguity and unlearning old systems. 56:04 Striving for perfection can hinder progress. 01:00:16 Expanding education opportunities with passion and commitment. Corey Mohn is a high impact advocate for reshaping the way we think about education and career readiness. Corey shared his invaluable insights about the journey from being a self-proclaimed perfectionist student to becoming an entrepreneurial leader and director of the CAPS (Center for Advanced Professional Studies) Network. Here are three key highlights from our conversation: 🌟 Embrace Failure as Growth: Corey discussed the importance of understanding that failure is an integral part of success, especially in entrepreneurship. He spoke candidly about his personal struggle with perfectionism and how learning to embrace small failures has been crucial for his growth and business pivots. 🌍 Broadening Career Perspectives: The CAPS Network aims to expose students to a variety of career paths, beyond traditional educational structures. corey shared how providing career-connected learning experiences helps students uncover their deeper purposes and make informed decisions about their futures. 📚 Collaboration and Innovation in Education: Corey emphasized the need for better engagement between educators and industry professionals. By creating flexible and meaningful partnerships, students gain hands-on experiences that are vital for their development and help bridge the gap between academia and the workforce. Make sure to listen to the full episode to learn more about how Corey is helping young minds discover their unique paths. Let's inspire the next generation to think beyond the grades and pursue their passions with confidence. /episode/index/show/onespark/id/32766092

Guiding Nonprofit Leadership, Relationships, and Success 08/14/2024

Guiding Nonprofit Leadership, Relationships, and Success "Impactful leaders embrace the diversity of people sitting around the table. They know that everybody brings something different to the table, which only enriches what you're doing." Key Moments 05:52 Nonprofits funding nuances. 09:27 Pocket-sized book for nonprofit leaders. 11:40 Allowing others ownership, supporting and promoting them. 15:44 Leadership can be lonely but community helps. 17:47 Developing leadership through relationships, support, and availability. 21:13 Jeff's leadership program leading to transformation. 25:31 Finding like-minded, mission-driven connections leads to impact. 27:38 Pandemic shifted perspectives, priorities, and habits. 30:59 Mastermind groups help to connect and support. 34:58 Diverse perspectives in podcasts enhance understanding. 38:44 Consulting requires active listening, not just responding. Connect with Jeff Get the Book: Listen to Podcast Connect with Katie Connect with Katie on LinkedIn: Follow Katie on Instagram: Follow the Podcast on Instagram: Are you tired of the traditional top-down leadership approach that leaves employees feeling undervalued and disconnected? In this episode of One Spark Stories, host Katie Currens and guest Jeff Conroy discuss the power of servant leadership in the nonprofit world. Three key takeaways: • Millennials and Gen Zers are seeking a work environment that values them and offers a sense of belonging and purpose. • Talent optimization and leaning into the strengths of employees can lead to better outcomes. • Having a supportive community and seeking help from others can lead to personal and professional growth. Don't miss out on this insightful conversation that will leave you feeling empowered to embrace a more compassionate and effective leadership style. Download the episode now and discover how you can make a difference in your organization and beyond! 🎧 /episode/index/show/onespark/id/32552942

Four Reasons to Have a Roy by Your Side 06/26/2024

Four Reasons to Have a Roy by Your Side "With the right support, your vision really can become a reality even when many others can't see it." Notable Moments 00:22 Walt Disney's inspiring vision. 01:52 Challenges for visionaries and the key to success. 04:21 Balancing dreams with responsibilities.. 07:46 Walt Disney faces setback, the creates Mickey Mouse with the support of Roy. 12:28 The impact of vision and support on achieving dreams. 14:36 Creative spark needs belief, support, and filtering. Connect with Katie About Katie: Connect with Katie on LinkedIn: Follow Katie on Instagram: Follow the Podcast on Instagram: Four Reasons to Have a Roy by Your Side During a recent trip to Walt Disney World, I found myself reflecting on life as a visionary while sitting by the statue of Walt Disney, known as the Dreamers statue, at Epcot. It really got me thinking about the immense challenges Walt faced and how crucial Roy's support was in overcoming them. The last few months - heck, years - have brought some challenges and personal attacks that really rocked my creative pursuits. Hence the slow down on recording this podcast. This inspired me to highlight the importance of having the right people by our side, especially when pursuing our dreams. The four reasons highlighted in this episode that can help you on your own journey are: Unwavering Support in Tough Times Navigating the Messy Middle Balancing Imagination with Practicality Creating Lasting Impact Who are the people you are surrounding yourself with? Are they moving your closer to your visions or are they holding you back? Make sure to acknowledge your own Roy, or the many people acting as a Roy in your life. Surround yourself with those who truly believe in you. Let their support help you turn your vision into reality. If this resonates with you, make sure to listen to the full episode. Share it with the people you have in your corner and let them know how they are your version of Roy. Remember to always embrace your unique spark and connect with those who help fuel your journey! /episode/index/show/onespark/id/31889327

A Tale of Two Fathers Finding Purpose 06/19/2024

Backyard Dreams, Mentorship, and Persistence in Building a Theme Park Career - Matthew Miller 06/05/2024

Backyard Dreams, Mentorship, and Persistence in Building a Theme Park Career - Matthew Miller "When you live your life in a way that stands out and you're really good at something, that success will come to you." Key Moments 01:07 Imagining theme park, building contraptions, childhood fun. 05:13 Benefits of technology to access mentors 08:39 Struggled in college, found mentors in career. 10:00 Soft skills are crucial for success in life. 14:47 Committed, aware, and growing beyond traditional education. 17:16 Apple store, new device, prototype in park. 21:04 Lasting impact of a mentor that listens and actively contributes. 22:50 Life after Universal opened the door for speaking opportunities. 27:46 Professor motivates student despite failing mechanical engineering class. 31:36 Exciting opportunities and mentoring in parallel universes. 37:26 Graduating without clear path to success. 39:44 Persistence, resilience, humility, and self-reflection matter. Connect with Matthew Connect with Katie About Katie: Connect with Katie on LinkedIn: Follow Katie on Instagram: Follow the Podcast on Instagram: As a kid Matthew Miller spent his days transforming his backyard into imaginary theme parks and tinkering with RC cars. Those moments sparked a lifelong love for innovation and technology, especially in theme parks. Today, Matthew is the Senior Director of Technology & Business Development at Orlando Informer. Miller is a world-renowned theme park senior executive and innovation catalyst who has crafted extraordinary guest experiences millions of tourists enjoy annually. Over the years Matthew has helped create world-class attractions for both Disney Imagineering and Universal Creative. Spending most of the past decade at Universal Destinations & Experiences, Miller helped develop attractions for the theme parks in Orlando, Hollywood, Beijing, and Osaka. His work can be found in many theme parks today, as he helped deliver iconic attractions such as Despicable Me: Minion Mayhem, Transformers: The Ride 3D, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, and Super Nintendo World. The conversation was full of valuable insights, personal anecdotes, and lessons learned along the way. Here are some key takeaways: Persistence and Resilience are Key: Despite setbacks and discouragement, it's essential to stay committed to your vision. Matthew's determination to introduce mobile payments at theme parks led to an unexpected turnaround, from near termination to leading a groundbreaking project. Value of Mentorship: Surround yourself with supportive mentors and leaders. Matthew's longtime mentor, Ben, has guided him for over 15 years, providing invaluable support and perspective. This mentorship has been crucial in navigating my career in the theme park industry. Soft Skills are Crucial: Beyond technical expertise, developing soft skills like genuine engagement and connection can significantly impact your career. Embracing curiosity, grit, and humility has helped him overcome challenges and foster innovation in his projects. While he has an incredible history as a theme park technologist and roller coaster designer, it didn't happen overnight. Throughout his early years he has a number of setbacks and like many people, felt incredibly uncertain of his career path. He found support in family and friends who often encouraged him to stay the course. This conversation with Matthew is a must listen, especially for those with kids that don’t seem to jive with the traditional approach in education. Here’s to the creatives, dreamers, and theme park lovers and the mentors that see their passion and guide them to a career where they can live their purpose. Matthew and his wife have two daughters; the family resides in the greater Orlando area. /episode/index/show/onespark/id/31596632

Rediscovering Yourself in Business 05/29/2024

Rediscovering Yourself in Business "Every time you martyr yourself, where you don't make a change you desire because you think you will let others down, you are actually dimming a light inside of you." Key Moments 03:16 Business is in year three, focused on refinement. 08:58 Respect time, work in 15-30 minute chunks. 11:12 Pay attention to the ideas and regrets that you repeatedly revist. 14:47 Belief in self martyrdom dims your light. 18:29 Achieving dreams and helping others thrive. Connect with Tim LinkedIn: Instagram: Email: Connect with Katie Connect with Entrepreneurship is like the ultimate roller coaster ride, moving from initial excitement to the grind of year two, with an eventual importance point of reaching stability. Tim Dyck is back almost two years later to share his insights on scaling up as an entrepreneur, the significance of delegation, and staying connected to your passion. We also talk about the importance of unlearning self-martyrdom and embracing courageous decisions. **Sparks of Knowledge in this Episode:** Stability Through Evolution: Tim shares how his business has evolved over the past two years, highlighting the importance of stability and refining processes for sustainable growth. The Power of Delegation: Discover the critical moment when Tim realized the importance of seeking help and delegating tasks to scale his business without burning out. Unlearning Self-Martyrdom: Tim discusses the harmful effects of self-martyrdom and offers insights on prioritizing personal well-being to serve others more effectively. Whether you're at the start line of a courageous career move or deep into your business journey, this episode has something for you. Make sure to listen. It may be exactly what you need to hear to ignite that spark that leds to your vision of success. Want to hear more of Tim? Check out his podcast, World at Work, that caters to professionals on both sides of the table, the job seeker and the employer hoping to find the best candidate for a role. Link is inlcuded below. /episode/index/show/onespark/id/31508417

40 Lessons Learned by my 40th Birthday 05/02/2024

40 Lessons Learned by my 40th Birthday "You can do it. Just start asking the hard questions and having the hard conversations. Sometimes all it takes is a person to listen." What better way to celebrate the return of One Spark Stories than with a special episode. Join Katie as she commemorates her 40th birthday 🎂 by sharing 40 life lessons she's gathered over the years. She shares insights from her own observations and experiences that will inspire you to spend time on your own introspection, find the courage to do the hard things, and celebrate the joy in our personal and professional lives. Take a listen as Katie dives deep into the importance of self-advocacy, embracing our uniqueness, and the continuous journey of self-improvement. Whether it's standing up for oneself in challenging situations or encouraging creative thinking, there's a lesson for everyone. Connect with Katie About Katie: Connect with Katie on LinkedIn: Follow Katie on Instagram: Follow the Podcast on Instagram: Top 40 Never feel like you have to justify your joy. Embrace childlike curiosity and wonder. Stand your ground. Think differently to guide innovation. Be unapologetically weird. Ask questions. Still need clarity? Then ask a few more. Make a mistake. Own it. Learn from it. Move on. Be a force to be reckoned with. Laugh and smile when it feels right. Don't force a smile when you’re displeased. Use your voice to speak your truth. Use your imagination. Family, faith, and friendships can be your priority. Help others who haven't found their voice. Say no when it feels right, even if you can’t explain why. Say yes when it feels right, even if you can’t explain why. Trust your gut. Your intuition is right. Affirm the efforts and impact others. Everything you need to know you learned in kindergarten. Then lost by 6th grade. Be authentic to who you are, not who you think they want you to be. Integrity will allow you to sleep at night. Productive disruption can be done with courage and grace. Celebrate your unique spark. Don’t bite your tongue. It only causes you pain. It is okay to be optimistic. It’s also okay to feel really sad. Just because others can’t see your vision doesn’t mean it isn’t valid. Humor is a unifying language when it isn’t used at the expense of others. Using discipline to teach something without providing clarity is a waste of time. Kids are brilliantly curious. Adults have to stop standing in their way. You are allowed to explain yourself. You also don’t have to explain anything. Advocate for yourself. Change doctors, banks, coaches. You know what is right. There are choices that you make that you know are wrong. Make it right again. It’s not always about you. Not everyone likes you. In fact, some people think you’re weird. Your art is beautiful if it brings you joy. Take pictures. Ask people to take pictures of you. Your smile brings comfort to others. Stop hiding it. Life-changing decisions will come. Stick with the ones that are life giving. One day all the moments make sense. The tears, the lessons, the heartache, the friends that disappeared, the bosses that made your life hell, the partners that didn’t want to pay, the job offers pulled out from you, the experiences that seemed out of the ordinary. Not all at once, but over time. And those moments help make each future mountain feel like a molehill. It gets easier. You just have to keep moving forward. /episode/index/show/onespark/id/31095028

Standing out as a Student Crossover Episode 02/07/2024

Standing out as a Student Crossover Episode “You do have experience. You're getting it. You might not have done it in a professional setting, but the whole point of school, the whole point of your studying, the whole point of doing all this is to get that professional exposure to gain the skills." Key Moments 00:52 Start creating a resume for practice and future use. Many college students lack awareness and feel inadequate. 05:04 Resumes should list achievements and skills gained in school or high school. 08:45 Focus on ways education and industry experience that has helped find passion, expertise, and voice . 10:49 Vocational settings help gain practical skills and clear career goals. 13:29 Include class experience on resume. Connect with Tim and his team: Website: LinkedIn: Instagram: Email: Standing Out as a Student Students should never underestimate the skills they are gaining in school. As professionals, we can help them recognize ways to own it and showcase their achievements. The value of hands-on experience is undeniable, and it's key to highlight it on your resume. Finding your passion and expertise is vital for career success. Whether you're exploring in high school or transitioning to a new industry, leverage your projects and experiences to stand out. As an adult, guide students by helping them see their unique value. Empower them to acknowledge their strengths and find their voice in their chosen field. For high school students or early career seekers, showcasing school projects on your resume can illustrate the transferable skills you've acquired. Don't shy away from highlighting your achievements. Navigate the challenges of crafting a compelling resume with professional guidance. Reach out to experts who can help you effectively showcase your unique experiences and skill set. Connect with Katie About Katie: Connect with Katie on LinkedIn: Follow Katie on Instagram: Follow the Podcast on Instagram: /episode/index/show/onespark/id/29732813

5 Lessons from a Mastermind to Create Life Magic 01/31/2024

3 Lessons to Turn Rock Bottom Into a Solid Foundation 12/27/2023

3 Lessons to Turn Rock Bottom Into a Solid Foundation “When we feel lost, it is far easier to lose ourselves in the fantasy of others versus putting in the work to find ourselves.” Episode Highlights 00:56 Embracing risk to find clarity, purpose, happiness. 05:48 Disconnect to reconnect. Discover meaningful opportunities through new experiences and self-discovery. 7:08 Curiosity and Chaos. Unmanaged curiosity can lead to unbelievable chaos. Make sure you stay aligned with your values and purpose. 09:05 Visibility Matters. Maintaining visibility and connection with team members. Lack of leadership presence can lead to feelings of isolation. 12:34 Focus on collaboration, respect, and relationship building for impactful output and personal fulfillment. 13:51 Embrace passions, share hope, find future spark. Connect with Katie About Katie: Connect with Katie on: Follow Katie on Follow the Podcast on Instagram: 3 Lessons to Turn Rock Bottom Into a Solid Foundation With every risk comes the opportunity for greater reward. That has become a mantra that has guided me through challenges. On the other side of pain, loss, and confusion can be incredible clarity and purpose. It's okay to veer away from a plan when it no longer aligns with your purpose. This episode I highlight three major lessons I’ve learned that will shift your mindset from a feeling of rock bottom to setting a solid foundation for your future. Sometimes, it's important to disconnect from the noise around you and reconnect with your own spark. Taking a step back, being open to new experiences, and meeting new people. Calming the chaos around you also means reining in your curiosity. Unmanaged curiosity can lead to unbelievable chaos. Be aware of the energy of those around us and to seek support from individuals who genuinely believe in us. Being surrounded by supportive individuals can help you get realigned with your passions, purpose, and opportunities best fit for you. It doesn’t happen overnight. Nurture meaningful connections, stay true to your purpose, and focus on living with integrity. Lasting and impactful output is a direct result of the relationships you have with the people around you. Pay attention to the internal pulls telling you change needs to happen. Sometimes that means disconnecting from what is familiar to reconnect with your authentic self. If you know someone who could use a spark of hope in their journey, share this episode with them. What feels like rock bottom can become the foundation for a more purpose-aligned future. /episode/index/show/onespark/id/29234908

How Adversity Can Fuel Your Entrepreneurial Success - Will Manzanares 11/01/2023

How Adversity Can Fuel Your Entrepreneurial Success - Will Manzanares "If you're going up against a resilient person, you're never going to win, because resilience will outweigh any dramatic flair that you're trying to do." Episode Highlights 02:21 Struggles in school were found to be dyslexia. Challenges led to business focus. 05:10 Curiosity in school led to business awareness and interest. 07:04 Kids mimic successful people; failure teaches. 10:55 Business gave confidence boost. 14:53 Rebuilding after loss requires learning from past experiences. 18:33 Business requires resilience, humility, and seeking knowledge from others. 21:21 To succeed, embrace adversity, capitalize on strengths, and outperform others. 24:18 Exploring new opportunities through beekeeping. 27:53 It is okay to find opportunity in multiple businesses. Connect with Katie About Katie: Connect with Katie on LinkedIn: Follow Katie on Instagram: Follow the Podcast on Instagram: How Adversity Can Fuel Your Entrepreneurial Success Will Manzanares is a Tacoma, Washington native and serial entrepreneur. He discovered his passion for business at a young age despite being unaware of the term "entrepreneur". His journey of entrepreneurship has been nothing short of remarkable, fueled by his love for finding solutions, customer service, and creating a lasting impact on the business world. During our conversation he shares his journey in business and the lessons he's learned along the way. From the importance of not being fooled twice to the unpredictability of resilience, Will shares his valuable insights on leadership, learning from failures, and the realities of business ownership. Three key takeaways from our conversation are: Embrace Collective Knowledge: Effective leaders acknowledge their limitations and actively seek collective knowledge. Will emphasizes the importance of not being fooled twice in business and how different situations and people can pose new challenges. By tapping into the experiences of others, we can learn, grow, and adapt to achieve success. Resilience is Key: Resilient individuals are unpredictable and can surprise you. Will shares their journey of facing financial difficulties, losing their business, and having to rebuild from scratch. They highlight the importance of staying calm, remaining determined, and pushing through adversity to achieve your goals. Learn from Failure: Will encourages us to embrace failure and learn from it. They talk about seeking advice from those who have experienced failure in similar ventures and highlight the importance of society embracing and learning from failures. They believe that failure is not the end, but an opportunity to grow and improve. This conversation with Will is a unqiue perspective into what drives someone to entrepreneurship and how to overcome unexpected challenges. From former partners walking off with all the money to bouncing back from setbacks, his story is a testament to the resilience and determination required in entrepreneurship. Remember, success isn't about dramatic flair, but steady perseverance. Be sure to tune in to the podcast episode and share it with others that may benefit from the lens of someone that found a way to not be limited by their dyslexia. /episode/index/show/onespark/id/28484072

Three Ways to Get What You Want 10/26/2023

Personal Growth Through Consistent Creativity 06/07/2023

Personal Growth Through Consistent Creativity "There was a transference that happened there. Joy went from me to them, and I wanted to do as much of that as possible." Growing up, Mike Brennan's love for art was his refuge. His passion for drawing helped him connect with people and bring joy to their lives. He pursued a degree in graphic design, but his career took an unexpected turn when he left it all for ministry. However, after a decade of spiritual work, he found himself struggling with depression due to neglecting his creative side. Mike's journey of self-discovery led him to find the perfect balance between his artistic skills and his desire to help others, shaping his identity and giving deeper meaning to his existence. Listen to this episode and you will: Discover the significance of maintaining a regular creative routine for personal and professional growth. Learn to embrace your distinct creative identity and its impact on your work. Explore the role of creativity in self-discovery and personal development. Find ways to prevent burnout and depression amid the challenges of the creative process. Celebrate achievements and progress within your creative journey, boosting motivation and satisfaction. This episode is a must listen for anyone that is feeling professionally lost, longing for reconnecting with a hobby or passion, or anyone curious about how to establish a daily creative habit of their own. Episode Highlights 00:03:28 - Childhood Artistic Talents 00:08:12 - Pursuing Art in College 00:12:47 - Embracing a Bigger Purpose 00:14:51 - Finding Your Creative Self 00:18:08 - Facing Depression and Self-Discovery 00:21:49 - Art as a Form of Self-Care 00:25:11 - Consistent Discomfort and Finding Your Style 00:27:38 - The Daily Creative Habit Guided Journal 00:33:24 - Celebrating Your Creative Self and Embracing Your Uniqueness Connect with Mike: Instagram: Twitter: @mikebone Facebook: Linkedin: Website: Daily Creative Habit: Event Sketching: Graphic Design: Podcast: Connect with Katie About Katie: Connect with Katie on LinkedIn: Follow Katie on Instagram: Follow the Podcast on Instagram: Order the Spark of the Day Journal: /episode/index/show/onespark/id/27064599

Reigniting Spark Goals 05/31/2023

Reigniting Spark Goals "It is okay to walk away from an opportunity that may seem lucrative when it does not move your purpose forward or bring peace to your life." The eternal journey of self-discovery and finding purpose is one I fully embrace. Unfortunately, it isn’t always roses. This is probably one of my move vulnerable episodes yet, but I feel it’s only fair to share where I’ve been, what’s been going on, and the lessons I’ve learned from it. As much as I thought about recoding almost daily, I couldn’t pull myself to do it. My mental health became the priory as I focused on getting things aligned for my career, my family, and my peace. There is a silver lining in all of this. After enough “fails” it becomes easier knowing that there are ways to bounce back. Even better, you know it’s another lesson on what doesn’t fuel you. This was one of the scariest times I have felt as a professional that directly impacted my personal life, but I knew there was an way out of it. I just had to double down and ask how did I get here, what is it that I am even doing any of this for, and where do I want to go next? The biggest obstable to any challenge is making sure you staying true to your authentic vision as you work your way through it. It’s easy to get caught in scope creep or settle for less. But the biggest joy and peace in my life has never come because I settle. The time is long gone to be forced to compromise and lose sight of the goals we work on for years. After listening to this episode, you will: understand some of the risks that come with venturing into the unknown and embracing daring decisions remember the importance of self-reflection as a way to gain insight into your authentic purpose, joy, and pathway honor the genuine vision you have for your business or career, embrace the things that are the right fit for you, and with a bit of work, watch the magic of life unfold respect your instincts and recognize when they are telling you to adjust who you are surrounding yourself by and the opportunities you chase know and implement the Spark Goals framework to establish goals driven by your unique sense of purpose If you're feeling frustrated and discouraged because you are feeling out of alignment in some capacity of life, you are not alone! Take a listen, share with a friend that may be feeling lost, and remember that you are in control of your purpose and your peace. Buy the Journal Connect with Katie About Katie: Connect with Katie on LinkedIn: Follow Katie on Instagram: Follow the Podcast on Instagram: Episode Highlights 00:02:13 - Taking Risks and Finding Purpose 00:09:29 - Seeking Acceptance from Others 00:14:09 - Authenticity in Entrepreneurship 00:16:40 - Trusting Your Gut 00:17:02 - Facing Rock Bottom 00:19:05 - Feeling Like a Fraud 00:22:08 - SPARK Goals Framework 00:29:50 - Reigniting Your Spark /episode/index/show/onespark/id/26995263

SOUL SPARK - 5 Ways to not Dull the Spark in Kids 04/03/2023

Dumb Luck, Desktop Publishing, and Creating Theme Park Thrills - Tim Bernardi 03/29/2023

Dumb Luck, Desktop Publishing, and Creating Theme Park Thrills - Tim Bernardi "I attribute a good deal of my success to dumb luck. So that might be one of those areas where it kind of raises its head. But I also believe that when you put yourself in a situation where you are willing to show initiative and a spark, you will be blessed with the faith and support of those around you." Tim Bernardi is an experienced writer and entrepreneur who seemingly stumbled into a role in the construction industry working on some pretty epic theme park attractions. He may also be one of the best examples of someone that has followed their passions and embraced the spark each and every time it comes. Tim's story has as many twists and turns as some of the epic theme park projects he has been a part of. When I first Tim him I knew him as someone who worked in construction project management with Mader Southeast on some amazing theme park attractions. His construction experience has led him to projects with Universal Creative, Walt Disney Imagineering, and custom homes. His path getting to where he is today has been anything but linear. In fact, it was a career he - almost quite literally - stumbled into after years in hospitality and selling his publishing agency. Tim’s entrepreneur spirit doesn’t just believe that people should pursue what they enjoy doing. He has seen the benefits that come when you take initiative toward those interests. In the end, he learned that by expressing yourself and always going the extra mile, you can be rewarded with faith from your mentors and leaders. In this episode, you discover: the theme park attraction where his original desktop computer now resides the “dumb luck” moment that lead to Tim’s career in commercial construction. how Tim Bernardi used his precociousness to advance his career. what happened when his CEO invested faith in him to plan and execute an event with no budget limit “There are small miracles every day that sometimes aren't quite as apparent.” Episode Highlights: [00:04:38] A speech class I took in high school allowed me to start to categorize my thoughts and realize the power of words. If Young Tim brought anything forward, it's the ability to use the bullet point function on Microsoft Word. [00:07:02] When you went to UK, what was your career vision? My career originally was going to be political science. But I didn't really start combining the skill sets from debate with writing until I got into the student paper at Valencia. Now my passion is technical writing and organizing thoughts and editing. [00:08:34] I was a Jungle Cruise Skipper at Disney’s Magic Kingdom in the fall of 1982. Went back to the University of Kentucky for one semester. Moved back down to Orlando in May of 83 and did some steam train work for a couple of years in the Magic Kingdom. [00:09:48] When I was living in Florida, I started a publishing company. The concept that on a small computer that set on my desk I could do newsletters, flyers, forms. Why did I decide to sell the agency? Someone came and offered me a bunch of money " [00:12:53] I still write protocols and standard operating procedures and technical writing as well. It's a lot of those skills that we just go through and do that we don't realize are marketable skills [00:14:28] Eventually you realize that passion is something that you can monetize. [00:18:27] I'm the facilitator of the Construction Safety Peer Group of Central Florida. Many of those people there are individuals who I regard as leaders. People who invested in me and who showed belief in me. That makes you feel essential and essential. [00:27:15] What can I do to serve others within the scope I'm qualified? And where can I maybe personally grow and help others as well? There's a selflessness to doing that to your organization or to a nonprofit. But there is also a personal return on investment on it. [00:30:33] Between November 2017 and January 2022, we managed 27 different construction sites on Walt Disney World property. Over those Times had some remarkable experiences. One that stands out to him was when Pandora was almost finished and ready to open. [00:37:05] Stop and take in the work that you have done. Enjoy what you have built out of it. I personally loved the Sorcerer's hat at Hollywood Studios. It's just a reminder that don't just rush from one project to the next. [00:39:14] We don't have the capacity to acknowledge every blessing that comes our way. There are small miracles every day that sometimes aren't quite as apparent. [00:44:50] Even the quietest and the smallest blessings that are out there that aren't easily recognized are still there. Connect with Katie About Katie: Connect with Katie on LinkedIn: Follow Katie on Instagram: Follow the Podcast on Instagram: /episode/index/show/onespark/id/26328981

Keep your Cool on the Frontlines of Hospitality - Eleanor Erickson 03/15/2023

Keep your Cool on the Frontlines of Hospitality - Eleanor Erickson “People need to unlearn the phrase, ‘the customer is always right’. And that's not easy. I think it's important that we unlearn that so that we can relearn how to support customers and guests.” Eleanor has always been passionate about empowering others and creating unique and creative solutions. Which is why after 20 years of working in hotel operations, she decided to use her experience and vision to do some disruption and create something bigger. She spent years traveling to work with frontline employees in hotels. It was clear that the pandemic was having a significant impact on the traveler experience and needs of frontline employees. As training dwindled, Eleanor began to recognize a divide between the people making decisions and frontline workers, and felt compelled to become a feedback loop between the two. That led to her creating her 'Keep Your Cool' framework, which allows frontline teams to be proactive when faced with unhappy guests. It encourages them to feel empowered and not shattered by the situation. Eleanor is now traveling and training others to innovate in the hospitality industry and create a workforce that is supported, empowered, and engaged. This episode will ignite a spark by: Exploring the impact of the pandemic on hospitality and customer service Discovering a framework to manage unhappy customers Learning how to support frontline teams in a constantly changing industry "I have always felt drawn to give something of myself in unique and creative ways, and now I am ready to use my experience, vision and slightly disruptive thoughts for the power of good on a greater platform." Episode Highlights [00:10:59] Most hotels in the US stay in franchise operations. The divide between the people making the decisions and the people on the front line is getting bigger and bigger. This is where the opportunity to create a feedback loop between all of those came. [00:14:32] There is this focus on recovery. We understand there's recovery, but we actually have to also be future focused. [00:15:59] We can't use a reactionary framework for understanding and helping everyone. Cool stands for curious, observant, optimistic, offering options and keeping it light. [00:24:41] This is an always-on industry, making it hard for people to step away for training. That is why it is valuable to bring somebody in that can explore alongside the team, that can be the outside observer. [00:25:13] There are a few ways I’ve made the unknowns of entrepreneurship more manageable. I have a little happiness journal that helps me wake up the next day in a mindset of happiness and positivity. And I lean on people, friends, family, even strangers sometimes. [00:33:54] I've learned to say yes to every opportunity. Some of them turn out to be great opportunities, some of them are just learning opportunities. [00:37:43] I want people to unlearn the phrase, the customer is always right. And that's not easy. I think it's important that we unlearn that so that we can relearn how to support customers and guests. Connect with Eleanor Connect with Katie About Katie: Connect with Katie on LinkedIn: Follow Katie on Instagram: Follow the Podcast on Instagram: /episode/index/show/onespark/id/26268426

Find Yourself and Fulfill Your Life - Letty Benavides 03/08/2023

Find Yourself and Fulfill Your Life - Letty Benavides “Until we really tap into our deeper purpose and passions, we aren't going to show up in our best for others.” Letty Benavides is a passionate people person and self-development coach who loves to help others discover their purpose and passions. She has always been a people person, wanting to support others, create joy and learning in her life and the lives of those around her. But when she turned 49, she started to explore the concept of personal development and wellbeing, and it opened a new world of discovery and growth. Through connections with her coach and mentor, she was encouraged to take the leap and focus on what brought her the most joy - sharing the impact of personal development with others. Now, she can support her clients in a unique way and watching their own growth journey unfold is the most rewarding experience. Ignite a spark of purpose by: Discovering how a late start to personal development led to immense growth and fulfillment Exploring the power of deep conversations and connection in developing a personal brand Examining the role of mentors and coaches in empowering individuals to believe in themselves "When I started my growth journey, I had zero people in my life that could understand. And I needed people that were on a journey at the same level as myself. I needed people that could mentor me. I wanted to contribute to people that were just learning." Loved this episode? Leave us a review and rating, then make sure to share it with a friend. Episode Highlights [00:03:36] For a while, I think the personal development self help space was seen as very hokey or self serving, which is why I want to put personal development concepts in front of more people. [00:13:48] It was time to switch careers from Copywriting to Entrepreneurial coaching last year when the joy was in writing about the value that comes out of personal development. [00:19:23] Having the right people around you is crucial. Having a coach, having a mentor, having people that can look into your life and go like, you're capable of doing this stuff too. Trust that it's going to take you further. [00:23:46] A coach needs to be on a growth journey themselves. If they just feel like they've got it all figured out, that's probably not the right coach for you. Find someone that is super intentional about their own health and it will make such a difference in your own. [00:31:47] Letty’s newsletter, Nurture the Seed, is a deeper dive for people that are curious about how to truly change their lives around. [00:38:31] Investing in yourself isn't just a financial thing. It's the other areas you can invest in that don't cost money. [00:41:11] Unlearning is part of the growth journey. When you start removing things that were already on that plate to begin with that aren't serving you, then you're going to create space needed to continue adding new things. Connect with Letty Connect with Katie Book Katie to Speak or Emcee your Event: Connect with Katie on LinkedIn: Follow the Podcast on Instagram: /episode/index/show/onespark/id/26261667

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