Ep. 027 | Where Creativity Teaches w/ David Kolmer

Ep. 031 | Choice Moments w/ Jon Giganti

Summary In this week’s episode of the Spark Konnect with Kassy Laborie, Jon Giganti shares his journey from a high-level athlete to a leadership coach. He emphasizes vulnerability, authenticity, and the importance of embracing failure. Discover how his athletic background influences his approach to life and work, and learn practical insights on how to 'play on your front foot' and leverage 'choice moments' for growth. Jon’s Links: * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jongiganti/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jongiganti/] * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jongiganti/ * X: https://www.x.com/jongiganti [https://www.x.com/jongiganti] * Website: www.gigantigroup.com [http://www.gigantigroup.com] Book: https://www.amazon.com/Intention-Uncommon-Unleashed-Influence-Fulfillment-ebook/dp/B0BHJMTY8G Kassy’s Links: * Website: https://kassylaborie.com/ [https://kassylaborie.com/]  * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kassylaborie/ [https://www.instagram.com/kassylaborie/] * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kassylaborie/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/kassylaborie/] Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Jon Giganti 07:48 The Journey of Vulnerability and Authenticity 15:12 The Impact of Sports on Identity 20:14 Overcoming Perfectionism in Public Speaking 21:17 Embracing Imperfection 24:44 The Power of Preparation 29:42 Flow State and Performance 34:13 Choice Moments and Intentionality 35:14 Outro Takeaways * Practice vulnerability and authenticity in daily interactions * Use failure as a learning and growth tool * Identify and leverage choice moments for better decision-making * Develop a routine to prepare mentally and physically before speaking or leading leadership, vulnerability, sports psychology, authenticity, coaching, personal development, flow state, failure, mental health, self-improvement

Ep. 030 | Doing The Hard Thing w/ Adrianna Muñoz

Summary In this engaging interview, Adriana Muñoz, an ER nurse and endurance athlete, shares insights on navigating conflict, building resilience, and the parallels between athletic training and effective communication. Discover practical strategies for managing interpersonal conflict, embracing discomfort, and leveraging athletic principles to enhance professional and personal growth. Adrianna’s Links: * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adriannamunozcoach/ * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ogdenpeak/ * YouTube: https://www.instagram.com/ogdenpeak/ Kassy’s Links: * Website: https://kassylaborie.com/ [https://kassylaborie.com/]  * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kassylaborie/ [https://www.instagram.com/kassylaborie/] * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kassylaborie/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/kassylaborie/] Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background 03:46 Navigating Conflict in Healthcare 06:28 The Connection Between Athleticism and Professional Skills 09:25 Endurance Sports: A Personal Journey 11:57 The Importance of Vulnerability in Communication 14:59 Psychological Safety in Conflict 17:44 Building Resilience Through Conflict 20:29 Self-Forgiveness and Growth 22:59 The Role of Grace in Learning 24:32 Conclusion and Future Connections Takeaways * Conflict navigation is essential in healthcare and beyond * There are direct parallels between athletic training and public speaking * Building resilience and psychological safety is key * The role of vulnerability and discomfort in growth is paramount conflict management, resilience, endurance sports, public speaking, healthcare, athletic training, emotional safety, leadership, personal development

Ep. 029 | Unlocking Your Inner Child w/ Peter Donello

Summary In this week’s episode, Peter Donnello, the Imaginatist, joins Kassy to share insights on how to ignite and strengthen imagination, creativity, and innovation. Peter sparks the imaginative process through magic, storytelling, and visualization techniques. Peter leverages his experience as a DJ and magician to explain just how important nurturing your imagination at any age can be. Discover practical methods to unlock your inner child, enhance collaboration, and harness AI tools for creative growth. Peter’s Links: * Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/imaginatist/ [https://www.facebook.com/imaginatist/] * Website: https://www.facebook.com/imaginatist/ [https://www.facebook.com/imaginatist/] * YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Imaginatist1 [https://www.youtube.com/@Imaginatist1]  Kassy’s Links: * Website: https://kassylaborie.com/ [https://kassylaborie.com/]  * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kassylaborie/ [https://www.instagram.com/kassylaborie/] * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kassylaborie/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/kassylaborie/] Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Imaginatist 04:14 The Journey of Becoming an Imaginatist 07:17 Techniques to Ignite Imagination 10:00 Understanding Visualization and Aphantasia 12:45 The Role of AI in Creativity 15:33 The Power of Daydreaming and Subconscious Mind 18:22 Reconnecting with Imagination 21:03 Collaboration and Teamwork in Imagination 23:22 Building Connections Through Communication 27:46 The Power of Shared Experiences 34:26 The Magic of Believing in the Impossible 36:17 Outro Takeaways * Reading stories with imagery fuels imagination. * Daydreaming and repetitive exercise activate the subconscious mind. * Collaboration turns individual minds into hive minds. * AI is a valuable tool but should complement organic creativity. * Connecting with childhood wonder reignites the belief in the impossible. Imagination, Creativity, Innovation, Magic, Visualization, Collaboration, AI, Storytelling, Personal Development, Leadership

Ep. 028 | Constructing the Character w/ Guy Baker

Summary In this week’s episode of the Spark Konnect, claims adjuster-turned-training director and cosplay designer Guy Baker joins Kassy for an exciting conversation. Guy shares how creativity, role embodiment, and artistic resourcefulness can make training and professional development more engaging than ever. Guy and Kassy discuss the interrelatedness of cosplay and leadership training, and how authenticity is key to capturing an audience's attention and sparking creativity.Guy’s Links:LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/guy-baker-33149611Instagram: www.instagram.com/gjbaker75 Kassy’s Links:Website: https://kassylaborie.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kassylaborie/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kassylaborie/Chapters00:00 - Welcome and guest introduction – from attorney to cosplay artist01:23 - The spectrum of cosplay: screen accuracy, closet cosplay, and embodiment02:37 - Role play as a tool for learning and engagement in training and leadership03:52 - Embodying characters: learning mannerisms, inflections, and authenticity05:23 - Creative costuming on a budget: DIY props, recycling materials, and resourcefulness07:05 - Lessons from cosplay for overcoming setbacks and embracing imperfections in training09:53 - Personal journey into cosplay: childhood costumes, conventions, and collection hobbies15:34 - The importance of continuous learning and adapting skills like sewing18:44 - Practical sewing tips and the value of experimentation and persistence24:17 - The significance of storytelling and creativity in costume design25:12 - Creative costuming in pop culture mashups and the power of imagination27:25 - Final thoughts on the role of creativity, imperfections, and resourcefulness in training and leadership28:34 - OutroTakeaways- Internalize character traits for authentic leadership and presence.- Use limitations to drive innovation and resourcefulness.- Adopt character mindsets to enhance influence and engagement.- Design your persona to strategically influence perceptions.- Focus on overall impact rather than perfection in details.cosplay, embodiment, creativity, leadership, role play, innovation, persona, authenticity, resourcefulness, communication

Ep. 027 | Where Creativity Teaches w/ David Kolmer

Summary Join Kassy LaBorie in a deep and engaging conversation with David Kolmer, an instructional designer with a rich background in theater, opera, and education. They explore creativity, learning, cultural experiences, and the intersection of art and instructional design. David brings his experience working and living in Thailand to the show, and his happy-go-lucky approach to all aspects of his life. Be sure to tune into this inspiring and uplifting episode of The Spark Konnect! David’s Links: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kolmer/ Podcast: https://creators.spotify.com/pod/profile/gamelayer/ https://open.spotify.com/show/2BPCMbVCqtoBuEhL8zG0KNBlog: https://improvementdave.com/ Website: https://www.davidkolmer.com/ Instagram: @kolmer5 @gamelayer.fm Kassy’s Links: Website: https://kassylaborie.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kassylaborie/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kassylaborie/ Chapters 00:00 Introduction to David Colmer's Journey 04:27 The Intersection of Art and Education 07:12 Theater as Therapy and Personal Growth 10:03 Cultural Immersion and Language Learning 12:55 Empathy and Human Connection 15:56 E-Learning and Instructional Design 19:38 Theater's Influence on Learning and Development 22:33 Philosophy and Aesthetics in Learning 29:21 Navigating Focus and Creativity 33:01 Embracing Imperfection in Learning Takeaways - Creativity is foundational for David and influences all aspects of his work. - Theater training enhances listening and emotional awareness in learning. - Immersive experiences are key to language acquisition and cultural understanding. - Authenticity and genuine aesthetics resonate more than manufactured appearances (but we still love some kitsch!) Instructional Design, Creativity, Theater, Opera, Learning, Cultural Experience, Educational Technology, Personal Growth