One Spark Stories

Today we welcome a woman that knows how to manage like a mother… and in the most magical way. Valerie Cockerell was a leader in retail and merchandising throughout the Disney Company and as well as working within Disney institute. She is now a partner at Cockerell Consulting with her husband, and previous guest, Dan Cockerell.

While her story may have started in France it has unfolded around the globe, including now as she does training, facilitating, and consulting around leadership and customer service.

I first met Valerie earlier this year and was completely drawn in to her confident and humble demeanor. The more we interacted the more I knew I had to get to know this Cockrell. She is witty and wise and exactly the kind of woman that you want as a champion in the workplace.

During our conversation she shares about a big project she's been working on that is going to be so valuable to all those that are trying to navigate life as a working mom. And if you're not a mom don't worry, the lessons are certainly enough to bring value to you as well

Connect with Valerie

https://cockerellconsulting.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/valerie-cockerell/

Looking to ignite a spark in your purpose?

Book Katie as a Speaker or Emcee for your event: https://katiecurrens.com/contact

Connect with Katie on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katiecurrens/

Follow the Podcast on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/onesparkstories/

Today is a wonderfully empowering and insightful look into one woman's journey from corporate to keynotes. Karen Laos and I first crossed paths when we joined a Speaker Sisters network in late 2019, early 2020. Over the years I have had the honor of seeing Karen's incredible transformation as she has carved her own path as a keynote speaker and leadership coach equipping women to stand out with unshakable confidence. She specializes in communication: executive presence and compelling messages and does a beautiful job of sharing this in her book, Trust Your Own Voice: Growing Your Influence Through Confident Communication.

Karen is quite possibly one of the biggest cheerleaders championing female business leaders to own their value and find their voice so they can be seen and heard. I mean… does this not sound like my kind of lady?! She also works with teams to create cultures of trust and function at their best and has coached leaders at Facebook, Google, Netflix, Uber, Sephora, Sony, Microsoft, Fidelity, Charles Schwab, Trip Advisor, Bacardi, Levi, and more.

Her fun, encouraging, and results-oriented style is evident today, especially when she shares about a "no" that she was able to turn into an even better offer… all involving Donald Miller, CEO of StoryBrand.

Connect with Karen Laos:

Website: www.karenlaos.com

Book: https://karenlaos.com/links/

Instagram: Karen Laos Consulting: https://www.instagram.com/karenlaosconsulting/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/karenlaosconsulting

Twitter: https://mobile.twitter.com/karen_laos

LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/karenlaos/

Podcast: Ignite Your Confidence with Karen Laos: https://www.karenlaos.com/podcast

Clubhouse: @karenlaos

Looking to ignite a spark in your purpose?

Book Katie to Emcee or Keynote at your Event: https://www.onesparksolutions.com/contact-me/

Connect with Katie on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katiecurrens/

Follow the Podcast on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/onesparkstories/

In this special episode you get to hear three women talk about how podcasting has impacted their entrepreneur journey. Cassie Tucker and I joined Rita Richa on a live recording for her podcast Bippity Boppity Business.

• During this virtual event we discuss: How podcasting has helped us as entrepreneurs network with dream collaborators and clients
• Why podcasting is our favorite form of content creation for our business
• What most business leaders get wrong about podcasting when they first start out

If you are a business leader that is looking to infuse wonder, connection, and creativity in your work, this event is for you!

Looking to ignite a spark in your purpose?

Contact Katie for Podcast Production: https://www.onesparksolutions.com/contact-me/

Connect with Katie on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katiecurrens/

Follow the Podcast on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/onesparkstories/

Today we are joined by a friend, fellow Disney College Program alum, and National Director with one of the biggest hearts I know.

Nick Wagner is the National Director of Programs for A Kid Again, a national organization providing Adventure to families raising children with life-threatening conditions. He has over 10 years of non-profit experience with a strong focus on peer to peer fundraising He excels at thinking 'outside the box' when it comes to fundraising and programming, and during todays conversation we even have a momentary revelation as to how far back that event and planning mind has been part of his nature.

Prior to A Kid Again, Nick worked at the Southwest Ohio Chapter of JDRF, Fifth Third Bank, The Kentucky Symphony Orchestra and while in college, participated in the Disney College Program and served as a Campus Representative which is when we met.

Nick and his husband Nick…yes also Nick, live in Independence, KY. They are currently 1 year into a lengthy adoption process to expand their family which we tap into some today. In spite of the emotional ups and downs that come with his work for the families of A Kid Again and the challenges within the adoption process, he maintains such a joyous energy and determined focus, especially as he works on mastering his dad jokes.

A Kid Again: Akidagain.org

Email: [email protected]

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicholasswagner/

Looking to ignite a spark in your purpose?

Contact Katie: https://www.onesparksolutions.com/contact-me/

Connect with Katie on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katiecurrens/

Follow the Podcast on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/onesparkstories/

Dr. Jeffrey A. Barnes is a bestselling author & captivating keynote speaker that engages audiences with lessons learned from Walt Disney.

In 2014, Jeff created a college course on The Life And Lessons of Walt Disney. The day after that first class, while still riding the high of it being a hit, he received news about his health that could have stopped him in his tracks. Instead, he doubled down on his purpose, tackling that medical beast and going on to write two best-selling books, The Wisdom of Walt: Leadership Lessons From The Happiest Place On Earth and Beyond The Wisdom of Walt: Life Lessons From The Most Magical Place On Earth.

Today, Jeff shares Walt's story with audiences in Anaheim, Orlando, and around the world. People are continuously captivated by his speaking, workshops, unique online courses, and of course through his own words of wisdom.

Jeff continues to spread the positive message of Walt Disney to anyone that is looking to overcome adversity, go from dreamers to doers, and be the hero in their own great story. As you will hear during the conversation today, he so beautifully blends the history, nostalgia, and Disney experience that we all love with real-life applications.

Connect with Jeff:

Jeff's Website: www.thewisdomofwalt.com

Connect with Jeff on LinkedIn: www.linkedincom/in/thewisdomofwalt

Check out Jeff's Course: The History of Disneyland

Purchase Jeff's Books

Connect with Katie:

Book Katie to Speak: www.katiecurrens.com/contact

Connect with Katie on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/katiecurrens

Many people talk about feeling a pull to try something new, or a calling to a different career. Few see that tug as a sign from a higher power and take action the way Mark Wells has. Mark has lived a purpose driven life including working as a registered nurse, building and selling three different businesses over 15 years, and working in youth ministry for the past 18 years, and founded and directed a local nonprofit for four years. Whether he is coaching or spending time with his family, his life commitment is focused on influence in, influence out. Helping others realize their purpose, then helping them platform that purpose toward tangible goals influencing others.

Mark takes us through an emotional journey sharing how his faith is what has guided his career and that his Appalachian roots are a marker of lineage, but not a limit to opportunity. Whether you are a person of faith or not, this conversation will show you the impact that comes from embracing that spark, be it from a higher power, the universe, or your grandma, and using that as the catalyst that guides your purpose driven journey.

Mark's Email

Dr. William Sprankles is Assistant Superintendent of Innovative Teaching and Learning at Butler Tech. Butler Tech always been an organization that embraced innovation and educational change for the betterment of Career Tech and Public Education, but they have made significant shifts in the last five years thanks to high impact creatives like William and the Butler Tech leadership team. They don't just talk about their visions for what could be; they take action and allow students to take part in their future by creating what it will be.

Today's conversation brings two firsts; the first time I've recorded while someone is en route to another destination and the first time I am asked a question that threw me off… and it may be one of the easiest to many people.

Make sure to share this episode with someone that may be empowered by the message. Likewise, if you have the opportunity to rate and review the show it will help it become more visible to others who love the value of a new perspective.

Connect with William:

Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/in/william-sprankles

Twitter https://twitter.com/wsprankles

Butler Tech https://www.butlertech.org/

Book Katie to Speak: https://katiecurrens.com/contact

Connect with Katie on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katiecurrens/

How many Corporate Humorists do you know? Honestly I'd be shocked if you know any other than the one and only Andrew Tarvin. After all, he is the one that decided to create his own business cards with that title while he was working as an IT Project Manager at Procter & Gamble. From there he started adding jokes to the ends of my emails, volunteered to MC meetings he wasn't invited to, and got a nameplate for his cubicle wall.

Over his 10+ year career As the CEO of Humor That Works, Drew has helped people use humor to be more effective. He has been a part of more than 500 events for more than 70,000 people in all 50 states, 50-plus countries, 6 continents, and 1 planet (Earth).

He has three books, including the best-seller Humor That Works: The Missing Skill for Success and Happiness at Work and has been featured in The Wall Street Journal, Forbes, and FastCompany. In addition to his TedX talk being viewed more than 12 million times, he has performed in more than 1,000 shows all around the world, has appeared on VH1, WSJ Live, and - brace yourself - was a model, for one photo session, at the age of 6 years old.

Enjoy learning how humor at work can help you be more effective with the hardest thing Drew found he had to manage: fellow human beings.

Connect with Andrew on LinkedIn

Andrew Tarvin's Website

FREE Resources and Humor Assessment

Looking to ignite a spark in your purpose?

Book Katie for your Event

Connect with Katie on LinkedIn

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This week the tables turn as I, Katie Currens, share a bit about the journey to become a published author with Leadership Fusion -- after getting an extra spark to go for it when I was told I didn't have enough credibility to contribute since I hadn't been formally published before (despite having an extensive background and certification in the subject).

Buy Leadership Fusion -

Looking to ignite a spark in your purpose?

Request information about having Katie at your event: https://www.onesparksolutions.com/contact-me/

Connect with Katie on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katiecurrens/

Follow the Podcast on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/onesparkstories/

Follw the Podcast on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OneSparkStories/

After retiring from his role as Executive Vice President of Walt Disney World Resort in Florida, Lee Cockerell has worked to help others create magic in their leadership and life. His less than traditional upbringing inspires many as he shows the lengths you can go with a bit of hard work.

After meeting Lee in 2006 I was hooked to his "low key" leadership style. He makes it known that it wasn't always that way. And now, he openly shares his lessons in leadership, management, and customer service.

Love this episode? Make sure to rate, leave a review, and share it with a friend.

Want to hear more of Lee? Listen to his podcast, Creating Disney Magic, or connect at:

https://www.leecockerell.com/

Get his books: https://www.leecockerell.com/books/

Take his online courses: https://www.cockerellacademy.com/

Looking to ignite a spark in your purpose? Request information about having Katie at your event: https://www.onesparksolutions.com/contact-me/

Connect with Katie on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katiecurrens/

Follow the Podcast on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/onesparkstories/

Follw the Podcast on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OneSparkStories/