By Katie Currens
The podcast currently has 61 episodes available.
"When we learn to view failure as that stepping stone rather than a setback, that is when we open ourselves to new possibilities, launching us even closer to our purpose.
Notable Moments
03:06 Where Creativity Became Disconnected 08:11 Redefine What Creativity Means to You. 10:47 Revisit Childhood Passions 13:52 Embrace Your Curiosity About the Unknown 18:12 Take Risks and Celebrate Failure 22:09 Surround Yourself with Creative People 25:07 Create a Daily Creative Practice 28:24 Reflect on Your Journey and Celebrate Your Wins
Episode Recommendations
Order the Journal: Spark of the Day
Order the Amazon Bestseller Leadership Fusion
Lee Kitchen on One Spark Stories
Mike Brennan on One Spark Stories
Matthew Miller on One Spark Stories
Connect with the Host
About Katie
Connect with Katie on LinkedIn
Follow Katie on Instagram
Follow the Podcast Instagram
Struggling to find your creative spark? This one's for you.
In this episode, I'll share 7 powerful ways to ignite your creativity and become more aligned with your purpose.
This episode is packed with stories of incredible guests like Matthew Miller, Mike Brennan, and Lee Kitchen as well as stories of ever-curious creatives such as Sarah Blakely and Marie Kondo. Their journeys offer profound insights into how passions often lead to life's most fulfilling paths.
Don't miss out on this fantastic episode designed to empower you to take bold steps toward your dreams. Tune in, get inspired, and let's ignite that creative spark together.
Listen now on all major podcast platforms. And as always, let's connect, share our burning platforms, and embrace the journey of creativity and purpose
Ready to ignite your inner creative genius? Then take a listen now.
"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: https://yourcapsnetwork.org
CAPS Network "The Network" podcast
Coming soon: Experience.work
One Spark Stories podcast Episode 30 with Nate Clayberg
Connect with Katie
About Katie: https://www.katiecurrens.com/about
Connect with Katie on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katiecurrens/
Follow Katie on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katie_currens/
Follow the Podcast on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/onesparkstories/
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.
"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
http://conroyleadershipconsulting.com/
Get the Book: Nonprofit Leadership Success: A Short Guide to Big Success
Listen to No More Leadership BS Podcast
Connect with Katie
Connect with Katie on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katiecurrens/
Follow Katie on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katie_currens/
Follow the Podcast on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/onesparkstories/
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! 🎧
"With the right support, your vision really can become a reality even when many others can't see it."
Connect with Katie
About Katie: https://www.katiecurrens.com/about
Connect with Katie on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katiecurrens/
Follow Katie on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katie_currens/
Follow the Podcast on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/onesparkstories/
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:
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!
"In a world that seems focused on titles, recognition, and money, there is no doubt that the title these two work hardest to earn is 'Dad'."
Even though Father’s Day has come and gone, I am finally able to sit and reflect on why the work I do, connecting kids with their purpose, seems so personal.
It’s because it is. During this episode I share the story of two men, my dad and my husband, and their nontraditional pathway to professional success. Despite neither one having a formal 4-year degree, they both have careers that have lead them to work for Forbes 500 companies, local, state, and federal teams, while also staying deeply committed to their family. Their stories offer a relatable perspective on the magic that happens when people are able to align their work with their unique passions and purpose. Employees start to see possibilites they otherwise never would have imagined and employers a dedicated employee that will serve them well.
Connect with Katie
About Katie: https://www.katiecurrens.com/about
Connect with Katie on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katiecurrens/
Follow Katie on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katie_currens/
Follow the Podcast on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/onesparkstories/
"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
Orlando Informer
Matthew's IMDB Profile
Matthew on LinkedIn
Connect with Katie
About Katie: https://www.katiecurrens.com/about
Connect with Katie on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katiecurrens/
Follow Katie on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katie_currens/
Follow the Podcast on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/onesparkstories/
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:
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.
"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
Best Culture Solutions
World at Work Podcast
LinkedIn: Best Culture Solutions, Inc
Instagram: @best.culture.solutions
Email: [email protected]
Connect with Katie
Katie Currens Website
Connect with Katie on LinkedIn
Katie Currens on Instagram
One Spark Stories on Instagram
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:**
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.
"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: https://www.katiecurrens.com/about
Connect with Katie on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katiecurrens/
Follow Katie on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katie_currens/
Follow the Podcast on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/onesparkstories/
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.
“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: https://bestculturesolutions.ca/
LinkedIn: Best Culture Solutions, Inc
Instagram: @best.culture.solutions
Email: [email protected]
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: https://www.katiecurrens.com/about
Connect with Katie on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katiecurrens/
Follow Katie on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katie_currens/
Follow the Podcast on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/onesparkstories/
"Use the safety that you have around you to allow you to be courageous."
This episode is full of insights and experiences from a recent Creating Magic Mastermind hosted by Lee Cockrell, retired executive vice president of Walt Disney World. The mastermind concept is focused on bringing your own needs to the table and the impact of new perspectives while collaborating with a diverse group of individuals. There are five key lessons that emerged that can be applied across all industries, reminding us of the importance of continuous learning and growth.
Key Lessons Discussed:
1. Embracing Change: How making a change and tackling discomfort can lead to rapid growth.
2. Predictability and Discipline: The value of having a framework and safety net in our lives.
3. Psychological Safety: Creating a space where mental health and well-being are respected.
4. Legacy and Innovation: Balancing respect for organizational legacy while embracing future opportunities.
5. Focus on Impact: The emphasis on what you can do for others over traditional credentials or qualifications.
Katie's reflections on the mastermind experience will inspire you to consider how such gatherings can catalyze personal and professional growth. Insterested in joining an online Mastermind community or attending a masterminds? Let Katie know! Email her and share your interest and experiences with us.
Connect with Katie
About Katie: https://www.katiecurrens.com/about
Connect with Katie on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katiecurrens/
Follow Katie on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katie_currens/
Follow the Podcast on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/onesparkstories/
The podcast currently has 61 episodes available.