Spark Something New

Send us Fan Mail On this episode, Katie chats with the fabulous Dr. Liz Krider, a PhD chemist, speaker, and founder of KSA Catalyst. Liz is on a mission to help students discover their purpose through experiential learning, projects, and internships. They dive into how embracing life's uncertainties can lead to discovering your purpose. Liz shares her journey of how her "experimental&quo...

Send us Fan Mail On this episode, Katie welcomes Francine Apy, an adoptive mother and former HR executive. Francine shares her journey of adoption, her advocacy work, and the founding of her organization, SoulFilling, which supports adoptive families in reframing their stories.  The discussion delves into the power of reclaiming and reframing your story and how that leads you to healing, connectio...

Send us Fan Mail On this episode, Katie chats with Kristin Popp, Executive Vice President of Woodman's Food Market and President of the Women's Grocers of America. They dive deep into the concept of "kokorozashi", a Japanese term for personal mission, and explore how living with purpose can transform both your personal and professional life. Kristin shares her journey of discov...

Send us Fan Mail On this episode, Katie chats with Alex Langan, Chief Investment Officer at Langan Financial Group. Alex dishes on crucial money matters affecting everyone – from staggering statistics on how finances impact mental health to the fact that a majority of Americans lack adequate savings. He emphasizes seeing money as a tool rather than the end goal, destigmatizing financial struggles,...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Katie chats with Haley Kunert, who shares her journey in finding purpose and how that transformed the way she views work and life. She also shares insights on how to SPARK young professionals (YPs) in the workplace. They discuss the Sparketype Assessment as a tool that helps identify the type of work that lights people up. It's a fun, informative discussion o...

Send us Fan Mail On this episode, Katie invites you to explore the importance of loving something even if you're not exceptional at it, silencing the inner critic, letting go of comparisons, and embracing the journey. She discusses the joy of noticing small acts of kindness, pushing beyond your comfort zone, and the value of authentic relationships. Join me as we explore how to live a fulfill...

Send us Fan Mail On this episode, I chat with my dear friend and incredible professional, Melissa Wisniewski, Dean of Enrollment at Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology. We dive into her pivotal "meatball" moment and how it shaped her career path and views on leadership. Melissa shares how losing a friend and an unsupportive boss led her to prioritize meaning in her work. We talk about...

Send us Fan Mail Join me as we take a deep breath and navigate through the pressures of shorter days, the election, holidays, and year-end goals. In this episode, I'll introduce you to 'Yutori,' a Japanese concept meaning 'space in my mind,' which we all need mentally and emotionally right now. I'll share tips to create this space, whether through walking, meditation,...

Send us Fan Mail This episode features my wonderful friend Leslie Wireback, an entrepreneur and coach, with over 20 years of HR expertise. Join us as we unravel the tricky art of giving and receiving feedback in both personal and professional settings.  We dive deep into understanding what feedback truly is, distinguishing it from criticism and praise, and exploring why it's so challenging ye...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of the Spark Something New podcast, Katie explores authenticity as the key to a meaningful life. She encourages listeners to shift from a mindset of being "good enough" to a mindset of being "true enough". It's about aligning with your true self to find peace; to live authentically and not perfectly. It starts with a question… “What would i...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of the Spark Something New podcast, Katie chats with Jessica Ulmer, founder of Crossing Paths Counseling, about the intricate world of setting and maintaining boundaries.  Jessica, with years of experience in healthcare and counseling, highlights the importance of understanding boundaries, their misconceptions, and how they help individuals maintain a sense of self...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Katie delves into the challenges of making authentic friendships in adulthood amidst the backdrop of a modern epidemic of loneliness and isolation, as highlighted by the U.S. Surgeon General.  She discusses societal expectations and the superficial nature of many social interactions, exacerbated by social media and the pandemic. Drawing on insights from the book &...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Katie interviews Nick Kemp, an expert in the Japanese concept of Ikigai (translated "a live worth living").  Having spent significant time in Japan, Nick shares his journey of understanding and applying Ikigai in the Western world. He discusses the origins of the term, its misinterpretations, and how integrating it can transform one's life.  Nick al...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Katie dives into the widespread feelings of burnout and lack of direction that many are experiencing. She shares findings from various studies highlighting a global human energy crisis.  Katie also recounts her own journey of feeling stuck and discovering the concept of Ikigai, or 'reason for living.' She encourages listeners to explore their passions an...

Send us Fan Mail Welcome to the Spark Something New podcast! A place for finding that SPARK you need to live, work, and lead differently. It's about burning with passion without burning out. Connect with Katie on LinkedIn , Facebook , and Instagram . You can also get free resources to help you on your purpose journey at www.katiesandoe.com .