Hunting for Novosparkus

Marie McNally believes that people are our country's biggest asset, so it's important to bring people out of poverty so they can live fulfilling lives. An architect by trade, Marie talks about her work with Dash, a non-profit for neighborhood revitalization, and her journey blending income communities geared at lifting people out of deprivation. Listen on Apple, Spotify, or iHeart Radio. 

Maria Boustead believes there's always room for something new, so when a problem arises, solve it with a great product! This mindstate led Maria to founding Po Campo, the brand bringing you thoughtfully designed, thoroughly user-tested bags that work on and off the bike.

Arielle Rocca wants change, and rather than just saying it, she's doing something about it. Arielle co-founded Community Connected Academy at Patrick Henry High School in Minneapolis with the goal of building a new way to educate today's youth through culture, connection, and equity. 

Emily Taylor, Principal at teenyBIG, leverages her human-centered design experience to better serve the non-profit world. Rather than making assumptions, Emily assesses need states from a functional, cultural, and emotional standpoint to help her clients uncover what truly motivates "the people that matter most" to their missions. Listen on Apple, Spotify, or iHeart Radio. 

WOMEN AS INNOVATORS  
Hear how Patty Dominguez quit the corporate world and found her Zag. She shares her journey and introduces us to her positioning marketing company focused on helping female entrepreneurs discover their unique place in the market.

In our forth season of Hunting for Novosparkus, Ellen Craven speaks with women who are known as innovators across various industries and roles. Our first guest is Lisa McClinton, Associate Director of Business Expansion at Kao USA. Lisa's wisdom & expertise are strongly evident as we explore how creativity and career choices led her to an innovation role. 

Alan Blake,  former Associate Director of Global Packaging at P&G, tells us of the journey of implementing sustainability into corporate practices, and how government legislation can help progress these industries into closing the loop. 

Daniel Smith, Vice President of Science and Technology at WSP Architecture, tells us of WSP’s involvement in sustainable architecture design and development, and his insights for the future of sustainable architecture.

Inspired by a forest fire, Gaurav Wali, a design graduate from India, takes us on his incredible journey to replace plastic in products through the use of pine needles. 

Michael Maggio, President of iWrc (Inclusive Waste Recycling Consortorium) , discusses his experience in implementing socially-responsible co-ops within the recycling industry in countries with emerging markets, such as Brazil. These co-ops help empower employees, by leading in fair labor pratices.  Enjoy!

On this episode of Hunting for Novosparkus, we hear how Mike Smith, Founder of Zero Co, is harvesting ocean waste  to make refillable and reusable packaging for personal and home care products.

Ronald de Vlam and Ellen Craven chat with Sophie Liu, Business Development Manager at LOOP. She will be sharing how LOOP is changing both the consumer goods business model and consumer behavior through their revolutionary approach to waste-free product engagement.

Veronica Becerril shares her research on what COVID-19 has meant for the Hispanic community. We uncover themes, insights, and brand examples to help inspire new innovative product experiences. Take a listen!

Amanda Pratt, Director of Corporate Communications at Rumpke Waste and Recycling, chats with Ellen Craven and Layne Rumpke about how this essential industry has been impacted by COVID-19, what her thoughts are moving forward post-pandemic, and what this time means for essential workers.

Two of COHO Creative's partners, Jon Shapiro and Ronald de Vlam, share with us their thoughts on creativity and innovation during the pandemic — and what brands' roles should be in times like these!

Bradley White, brand director at Green Thumb Industries, talks about the effects COVID-19 is having on the cannabis industry—and what opportunities are for the future. Take a listen!

To start the second season, Ellen Craven and Layne Rumpke chat with their coworkers at COHO Creative about how the COVID-19 pandemic has affected them personally and professionally. Take a listen to learn how Mike Skrzelowski, Laura Mason, and Mallory Holman have been living and working during this time!

Ellen Craven and Layne Rumpke chat with Luke Ebner from Cincinnati's Permaganic Co. to learn about his journey to farming, edible landscaping, and his thoughts on our food system.