One Spark Stories

"Networking isn't just for grown-ups in suits. It's a way to help students find their spark."

Notable Moments:

00:00 – Why teaching kids to network matters 01:10 – Connection starts with listening, not lecturing 02:45 – 5 curiosity-building questions to ask students 04:40 – What's in it for professionals and businesses 06:00 – Practical, non-creepy ways to connect with youth 08:35 – Embrace the weird: students' career dreams and slime collections 10:19 – You don't need credentials to make an impact 11:08 – How to take action today in your community

In this episode, Katie dives into how professionals can build meaningful bridges with students, no resumes or PowerPoints required. She shares five simple questions to spark career conversations, highlights how student engagement benefits businesses, and offers real-world ways to connect with youth through schools and local organizations. Connection starts with listening, and every one of us has something to offer the next generation.

Read the blog for more from this episode.

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 much as our kids need their parents, we need them probably just as much, if not more."

Sometimes the simplest traditions, like a tent made of blankets in the basement, become the rituals that fuel our creativity, strengthen our connections, and help us rediscover that spark of childlike wonder.

This week, I sat down with my friend Tim Dyck, owner of Best Culture Solutions and co-host of World at Work Podcast. We talk about what happens when we let ourselves slow down and make room for joy, even when life and business feel relentless. Tim's journey from the structure of a salaried job to the chaos (and freedom) of entrepreneurship has challenged him to be intentional: to say yes to what matters, and to create core memories with his daughters (even if that means falling asleep under a pile of giggling kids).

We swap stories about finding balance, the magic in unplugging, and what using an old projector for backyard movie nights or listening to excited requests for tent nights can teach us about living with purpose.

There's inspiration here for anyone needing permission to pause and play. There's also a gentle reminder that reconnecting with what lights us up is good for both our dreams and our souls.

Connect with Tim and Best Culture Solutions:

Website: https://bestculturesolutions.ca/

LinkedIn: Best Culture Solutions, Inc

Instagram: @best.culture.solutions

Email: [email protected]

Connect with Katie

About Katie

Order her Books

Connect with Katie on LinkedIn

Follow Katie on Instagram

Follow the Podcast on Instagram

"We've been taught that joy has to be earned, but sometimes joy is found in the pause."

In this solo episode Katie Currens shares a reminder that it's the simple things that matter most. Inspired by recent life events, she reflects on how the most magical moments of life often come in between the big plans. Read more about this episode in her blog.

From letting go of perfect itineraries to recognizing the quiet power of everyday connection, she invites listeners to embrace the beauty in the small stuff. Much of her insights are sparked from a previous conversation with Bob and Rick Allen, two incredible leaders who have made significant impacts within the Walt Disney Company.... and beyond.

If you're navigating a tough season or just need a spark of perspective, this episode is your gentle nudge to slow down, reflect, and find joy in the unexpected. It also gives a peek at what's ahead for the podcast, including more solo episodes, guest stories, and spark-filled conversations.

🎧 Tune in, laugh a little, reflect a lot, and embrace the simple sparks.

Connect with Katie

About Katie: https://www.katiecurrens.com/about

Order Her Books

Connect with Katie on LinkedIn

Follow Katie on Instagram

Follow One Spark Stories on Instagram: Instagram

"Every woman deserves to become, believe in, and share her best self with the world in ways that are uniquely hers."

After a 35 year career with Disney, Camille Wolsonovich is on a mission to help women create their own paths, especially during life's big transitions. She has combined her business experience with her gift of helping women recognizing their hidden gifts and find purpose.

Join our conversation to hear how she's transforming the idea of 'retirement' and encouraging women to prioritize their dreams over outdated assumptions. As the founder of MyAspirement, Camille is dedicated to reminding women that they are part of a larger community of like-minded 'sheroes'. Check out her link to learn more about the community she has built to collaborate and celebrate manifesting our future dreams.

00:50 Encouraging Women to Forge Paths

05:23 Value of Pattern Recognition in HR and Operations

09:21 Gap in Support for Women Planning Retirement

10:08 Finding Fulfillment by Combining Personal Interests and Professional Opportunities

13:12 Financial Planning Challenges and Opportunities for Women

16:35 Start Planning for Future Life Now

19:54 Unsung Women of Disney's Legacy

25:54 Rethinking Retirement by Focusing on Time and Energy as well as Money

27:36 Women's Coaching and Group Cohorts

32:38 Importance of Identifying and Challening Self-Limiting Beliefs

33:52 Decluttering Physical and Emotional "Stuff"

37:11 Empowerment Through Personal Transformation

Connect with Camille

https://www.myaspirement.com/

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/

"In the world of themed experience design, the most important aspect of your design is does it make people want to come back and see it and experience it again?"

Have you ever found yourself wondering "How does Disney do that?" James Warda, columnist, speaker, professor, and author of the book "How Does Disney Do That?" has that experience on a ride. He turned his curiosity into a passion to uncover the spark behind the experiences. He teamed up with Theron Skees, a former senior creative executive at Walt Disney Imagineering, to discover more stories from people helping create immersive experiences.

Their unique perspectives give a glimpse into what it takes to create memorable worlds that resonate with people of all ages. This conversation highlights the importance of wonder, community, and letting creativity lead.

Notable Moments

05:38 Embracing Unconventional Learners

08:24 Embracing Life in Imagineering

10:33 Importance of Silence for Reflection and Creativity

14:22 Finding Connection Through Storytelling

21:37 Intentionally Crafting Guest Experiences

29:35 Designing Repeatable Community Experiences

34:40 Furlough Leads to Reflection of Purpose and What's Next

35:40 Importance of Emotional Connections in Business and Branding

52:06 Positive Reinforcement in Childhood

56:23 Embrace Spontaneity in Travel Planning

Connect with James and Theron

howdoesdisneydothat.com

jameswarda.com

https://creatingmemorableworlds.com

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/

"Our childhoods are so tragically short to begin with. And then we're adults and we forget what it's like to just play."

03:27 A Childhood Spent Exploring the Outdoors

09:25 From Teacher to Science Blogger

13:57 Removing the Emotional Attachment to Ideas

18:17 Launching National Parks Educational Series

20:31 Creating Educational Resources Platform

29:16 Social Media Impact and Strategy

31:46 Creating Connections Through Acts of Kindness

34:03 Embracing Being Wrong

What if your childhood playtime led to a career that connects hearts globally? Chris Anderson shares how his outdoor adventures sparked a passion for science & exploration.

Chris takes us through his transition from classroom teacher to creating educational content. He shares how his project, Science Around Cincy, became the catalyst for OutSCIder Classroom, where he hits the road and teaches science through the lens of our state and national parks.

It is always a blast hearing from creative minds who merge passion with purpose. Make sure to take a listen to this conversation with Chris Anderson. It will be a great reminder that embracing curiosity and taking action on your ideas can change your life.

https://www.outscider.org/

YouTube Channel OutSCIder

Instagram OutSCIder

Scidence Around Cincy

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/

"What's my job? That's not the right question. It should be 'what am I really good at ?' and 'what makes me happy?' and 'what gets me excited?' Lead with those questions. The job that fits those answers may be very different over the course of your life, but they are where the answer lies."

Rick and Bob Allen are incredible innovators who have made significant impacts within the Walt Disney Company.... and beyond.

In this episode, we discuss their multiple professional shifts, including the reality of being offered to buy your business from Disney. They share stories that highlight unlearning fear and embracing creativity, the power of storytelling, and the importance of authentic relationships. Some key takeaways:

• 🌱 Unlearning to Grow: Bob Allen discusses the importance of unlearning fear, anger, and self-criticism. By embracing the Buddhist idea that everyone is already awakened and needs to remember it, we can unlock our full potential.

• 🎨 Creativity vs. Artistry: Bob and Rick explore the differences between artistry, creativity, and innovation. Understanding these distinctions can help you harness your creative abilities to drive meaningful change.

• 🤝 Value of Mentorship and Networking: From impromptu hallway conversations at Disney to lifelong mentorships, the stories shared by Bob and Rick highlight the importance of genuine connections and feedback from peers and mentors in one's career journey.

Make sure to listen to the full episode. Then let me know what part of this conversation sparked an idea... or your imagination! ✨

Connect with Rick and Bob Allen

Bob's Website https://zennovationnetwork.com/

Rick's Website https://rickallenconsultinggroup.com/

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 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! 🎧