Changemaker Interviews
Dr. Katie Keller Wood Is Reimagining the Way We Work

Dr. Katie Keller Wood grew up surrounded by educators, and she’s never strayed far from that world. Today, she works with Montessori teachers across the globe, teaches at multiple universities, and speaks to audiences about a topic that affects all of us: the relationship between our work and our lives.
Her first book, Alignment: A Montessori Approach to Reimagining Work-Life Balance, offers a fresh take on a familiar struggle. Katie doesn’t believe in chasing the ever-elusive idea of balance. Instead, she teaches the power of alignment—finding a way to live where all the different pieces of our lives fit together in a way that feels right for who we are and who we’re becoming.
A Shift from Balance to Alignment
Katie speaks openly about her own struggle with what people often call “work-life balance.” She remembers the moments—more than once—when her husband would gently point out that work had taken over again. Like many of us, she tried to fix it. She made plans, set boundaries, and aimed for better balance. But the cycle always repeated.
Everything changed when she stopped aiming for balance and started seeking alignment. “Alignment is where all the pieces of my unique and precious life mosaic are in the correct and appropriate relative position for who I am and what I am meant to do at this moment,” she explains. That idea became the foundation of her book, and it continues to shape her work with adults and adolescents alike.
Bringing Montessori to the Adult World
Katie didn’t attend a Montessori school as a student, but discovering the approach as an adult was life-changing. Becoming a Montessori teacher transformed how she viewed work—and life. Montessori education doesn’t separate work and play. Instead, it treats meaningful effort as joyful and purposeful. That shift in mindset had a powerful effect on Katie.
One of her favorite stories comes from her TEDx talk, where she shares the story of a three-year-old named Max. He showed her that work doesn’t have to be something we push through just to earn rest. In a Montessori environment, even young children find challenge and joy in their work. That philosophy has stayed with her ever since.
Katie believes that adults, too, can benefit from this approach. “Our workplaces can be incredible containers for adult growth and development,” she says. She’s now on a mission to bring a Montessori perspective of work to everyone—not just educators, but nurses, nonprofit leaders, entrepreneurs, and mission-driven professionals who are seeking purpose and sustainability in their careers.
Purpose Work vs. Paycheck Work
A key idea in Katie’s work is the difference between what she calls paycheck work and purpose work. Paycheck work is what we do to earn a living. Purpose work is the deeper calling—the work we feel meant to do at this moment in our lives.
For Katie, those two have a lot of overlap. But she’s quick to point out that they don’t have to. Her goal is to help people stay in their professions without losing themselves to burnout. “We need great teachers for every child, great nurses for every patient, and mission-driven leaders in all areas of work,” she says. That means creating systems—and mindsets—that support thriving, not just surviving.
Teaching, Leading, and Learning
Katie’s work spans multiple roles. She runs CMStep, a global training program for middle and high school Montessori teachers, and is recognized as a leader in adolescent and adult Montessori education. She teaches undergraduates at the University of Virginia (where she earned both her bachelor’s and doctorate), as well as master’s and doctoral students at Xavier University and the University of Wisconsin-River Falls.
She’s also a frequent speaker at conferences and workshops, and her TEDx talk has inspired countless people to rethink their approach to work. Through all of it, her mission stays the same: to help people grow into the fullest expression of themselves and to support others in doing the same.
Life as a Mosaic
Katie doesn’t believe in perfect answers, especially when it comes to work and life. Instead of trying to strike a perfect balance, she encourages people to think of their lives as a mosaic. We each get to choose the pieces and arrange them in a way that works for us. Sometimes we need to shift things around, and that’s okay.
“There’s no bliss point like in food science—no perfect formula of salt, fat, and crunch that makes life magically work,” she says. “Your life is not a potato chip.” Instead, alignment is an ongoing process—one that allows us to make changes when something’s not working and return to what matters most
Connect with Dr. Katie Keller Wood
- Website: https://www.katiekellerwood.com
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katie-keller-wood
- TEDx Talk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_LM1yS3TzTk
- Email: hello@katiekellerwood.com
Changemaker Interviews
Mike Turner Is Building Brands That Move With Clarity

Mike Turner has spent more than a decade helping people and businesses grow—not just in scale, but in clarity, confidence, and direction. His career has spanned brand development, business growth, and customer success. But what ties it all together is his steady focus on delivering results with purpose.
“I’m a builder and a problem-solver,” he says. “I love helping people identify what’s working, remove friction, and scale with confidence.”
It’s that mindset that led Mike to launch his consulting work. Today, he serves as a strategic advisor for entrepreneurs, executives, and teams who want to level up without losing themselves in the process. He brings clarity, presence, and structure to brands that want to grow more intentionally.
Making Growth Practical and Personal
One of Mike’s core strengths is helping people move better—faster, clearer, and more aligned. His work helps leaders sharpen their voice, present themselves with more polish, and improve how their business operates behind the scenes.
“I focus on both brand and operational performance,” Mike explains. “It’s not just about the message—it’s how everything flows and supports the bigger picture.”
That focus on sustainable, system-driven success is rare in a world that’s obsessed with hustle. Mike’s approach is different. It’s calm, intentional, and rooted in values.
Why He Does the Work
Mike’s motivation comes from a simple place: helping people show up stronger. Over time, he noticed how many small businesses and entrepreneurs had a powerful vision—but lacked the systems to scale it. That gap became the driving force behind his consulting.
Through strategy, leadership coaching, and brand alignment, he equips others to lead with excellence and communicate with clarity. And when the foundation is clear, growth follows.
Building a Career with Intention
Mike didn’t stumble into leadership—he built it brick by brick. He currently leads initiatives that support both corporate and entrepreneurial ecosystems, and he serves as President of a corporate Toastmasters chapter. He’s also been nominated as a board advisor for a nonprofit, adding service and community leadership to his resume.
Each role he takes on is guided by the same values: structure, clarity, and long-term value. “Leadership isn’t about control,” he says. “It’s about orchestration.”
Leading Without Micromanaging
Mike describes his leadership style as calm, focused, and purpose-driven. He values structure and emotional intelligence. And he believes in creating an environment where people feel seen, supported, and trusted to lead themselves.
“I don’t micromanage—I systematize,” he says. “That gives others the confidence to operate with autonomy while still staying aligned.”
It’s a balance many leaders struggle to find, but Mike leans into it with ease. He knows when to speak up, when to delegate, and when to let the systems do the work.
Lessons in Business and Growth
Mike’s path hasn’t been without challenges. But each one taught him something valuable. The biggest lessons? Clarity matters. Culture matters. And if you want to scale, you need more than talent—you need systems.
“I’ve learned that structure accelerates growth,” he explains. “Ambiguity slows everything down.”
He’s also learned the importance of listening. His strategies aren’t one-size-fits-all—they’re informed by what real people need and the environments they’re navigating.
What Keeps Him Going
In difficult seasons, Mike relies on purpose and perspective. “When your why is strong, your resilience follows,” he says.
Instead of getting stuck in the emotion of a challenge, he focuses on the data. What can be learned? What needs to be shifted? It’s that mindset—objective and strategic—that allows him to stay grounded and move forward with intention.
Staying Innovative in a Fast-Changing World
Mike keeps one foot in execution and one foot in observation. He studies trends, listens to what people aren’t saying, and turns those insights into repeatable, actionable strategies.
“Innovation doesn’t have to be chaotic,” he says. “It can be systematized.”
That approach allows him to bring fresh energy to every project without losing traction. Creativity and efficiency don’t have to be opposites—they can work together to drive results.
Looking Ahead
Mike’s not slowing down anytime soon. He plans to keep building platforms and partnerships that support growth-minded individuals while staying grounded in service and long-term strategy. His ultimate mission? To normalize success that doesn’t burn people out—to show that growth can be sustainable, clear, and deeply human.
Every time he helps someone lead better or a brand show up stronger, he moves one step closer to that vision.
Connect with Mike Turner
Website: www.miketurnercoaching.com
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/miketurnerinternational
Changemaker Interviews
Lacey Artemis Is Building the Community She Spent Years Searching For

Lacey Artemis grew up quiet, unsure, and often overlooked. For years, she struggled to find a place in the world—a space where being curious, creative, and deeply thoughtful wasn’t just accepted but celebrated. Today, she is the founder of Arty Mix Events, a speaker, podcast host, performer, and unapologetically multi-passionate creative who’s making that space for others.
Lacey’s journey is one of persistence and self-discovery, built through years of exploring different passions, overcoming self-doubt, and finally realizing that their strength was in being more than one thing. She now uses her voice and work to support other neurodivergent creatives and grownups who long to reconnect with their sense of play and purpose.
From Hobbyist to Creative Professional
Lacey’s creative streak started young, but when she studied design in college, the message from instructors was clear: this path won’t pay the bills. So, like many others, she chose a “safe” administrative route and kept their creativity alive as a side project.
“I lived a double life for 15 years,” she said. “I kept working to prove what I could do.”
What Lacey didn’t know then was that their passion wasn’t just a hobby—it was a clue. Over time, she combined skills in writing, performing, media, and design into something that not only worked but lit them up. Eventually, she founded Arty Mix Events, creating spaces for people to connect, play, and express themselves in ways that typical event spaces rarely allow.
Podcasting, Performing, and the Power of Conversation
In their late 20s, Lacey started a podcast to learn more about people’s careers. It was a quiet project that slowly revealed something powerful—she loved deep conversations. That podcast eventually evolved into a more expansive show, HAT COLLECTING, which allowed Lacey to blend many of their talents into one platform.
She also realized she had a gift for the stage. Performing became a way to reclaim the confidence their younger self lacked. “Every time I get on stage or have a microphone in my hand,” Lacey shares, “I get further redemption for a younger me who was always doubted or overlooked.”
Even after facing burnout and pauses along the way, Lacey always returns to the mic—and to the communities their work brings together.
No One Path, No One Box
Lacey’s biggest challenge wasn’t choosing between creative passions. It was the pressure to choose only one. Coaches and peers told them to focus. But that advice never worked. What Lacey needed was someone who understood what it means to be multi-passionate.
“I thrive when I can meld three or more interests together,” she explains. “Burnout didn’t come from doing too much—it came from doing it alone, without support.”
Late-diagnosed neurodivergence, gender transition in their 30s, and ongoing struggles with money and trauma only added to the uphill climb. But Lacey kept pushing forward. And eventually, she found the right community and the right people to help them grow.
Creating the Events She Longed For
After years of craving meaningful, inclusive, in-person events that weren’t centered around bars, clubs, or surface-level small talk, Lacey took matters into their own hands. She launched Arty Mix Events to offer something different—spaces that are creative, accessible, and built for genuine connection.
“The events I wanted didn’t exist. I finally decided to change that,” Lacey says.
As someone who knows the loneliness of being misunderstood or left out, Lacey builds with intention. Their events welcome people who are often excluded elsewhere—those with invisible disabilities, neurodivergent thinkers, and adults who miss the playful parts of themselves.
Built on Curiosity, Creativity, and Community
Lacey’s work is guided by three core values: curiosity, creativity, and community. A coach once told them to only say yes to opportunities that fit one of those pillars—and that advice changed everything.
Now, Lacey is seeking stages and spaces where she can share their story, connect with others who’ve felt invisible, and continue shining while encouraging others to do the same. “Some might say I’ve done almost all of this the hard way,” Lacey says, “but as a result, I can help others skip some of the circles I ran in for a decade.”
A Life That Finally Feels Like Theirs
For Lacey, success isn’t about fitting into a mold—it’s about building a life that feels right, one decision, one event, one brave moment at a time.
She has transformed years of feeling unseen into a mission that creates space for others to show up fully as themselves. Every time someone walks into an Arty Mix event or listens to a podcast episode and finally feels like they belong, Lacey knows she is doing exactly what she was meant to do.
“I spent a long time climbing hills alone,” she says. “Now, I want to make the path easier for the next person—and remind them they’re never as alone as they think.”
Lacey Artemis is no longer chasing a place in the world. She’s creating one—and making room for the rest of us to join in.
Connect with Lacey Artemis
- Website: www.artymixevents.com
- Email: lacey@laceyartemis.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/artymixevents
Changemaker Interviews
Rising Above Adversity with Sheldon Crocker

Sheldon Crocker knows what it means to fight through hardship—and win. As an award-winning author, inspirational speaker, and resilience-building expert, he has turned his own story of struggle into a message of hope for people around the world. From childhood trauma and physical limitations to addiction and deep emotional pain, Sheldon has faced more than most. But he never let those challenges define him. Instead, he used them as stepping stones toward a life of purpose, strength, and service. Rising above adversity, his work today empowers others to do the same: to face adversity head-on and come out stronger.
A Voice Born from Experience
Sheldon’s mission began in silence. For years, he carried the weight of abuse and addiction alone, unsure if he had the right to dream of something more. But over time, he realized that his story could become a lifeline for others—if he had the courage to share it.
“I was inspired by my own battles,” Sheldon says. “People around me were suffering in silence, like I once did. I knew I had a voice to help them rise.”
From that realization came a commitment to speak, write, and teach in a way that is raw, honest, and deeply personal. His message is clear: your past doesn’t define you—your response does.
Keep on Walking
One of Sheldon’s most powerful principles is what he calls “KEEP on WALKING.” It’s not about giant leaps or instant fixes. It’s about small, steady steps—especially when the path feels impossible.
“I faced physical limitations and emotional scars that nearly broke me,” he shares. “But I kept walking. I surrounded myself with people who believed in me when I couldn’t believe in myself.”
That mindset became the core of his resilience work. Through talks, books, and his growing Empowerment Course, Sheldon helps others find their footing when life knocks them down.
Rising Above Adversity
Sheldon’s journey has shaped everything he teaches. He doesn’t lead from theory—he leads from lived experience. That’s what gives his work its impact.
“I bring practical tools and authentic storytelling to help people create real transformation,” he explains. “Adversity isn’t the end. It’s the beginning of something powerful.”
His approach is grounded in integrity and purpose. He’s not interested in quick fixes or surface-level motivation. He wants people to dig deep, rise strong, and make lasting change.
Connecting Through Truth
At the heart of Sheldon’s work is connection. His audience includes anyone who has struggled—anyone who’s ever felt broken, stuck, or invisible. He reaches them by being real, by offering strategies they can actually use, and by showing up with his full self.
“Relatable stories and actionable steps are how I connect,” he says. “I’m not here to preach. I’m here to walk alongside people.”
That connection is what makes his message stick. People don’t just hear Sheldon—they feel understood by him.
Defining Success Through Impact
To Sheldon, success isn’t about awards or applause. It’s about the lives changed. The letters he gets. The people who tell him they kept walking because of his words.
“Success means living with purpose and staying true to my mission,” he says. “It’s about impact. It’s about creating hope where there was none.”
It’s also about staying grounded. For Sheldon, values like authenticity, compassion, and service are the compass points that guide every decision he makes.
What’s Next
Looking ahead, Sheldon is focused on expanding his reach. He’s booking more speaking engagements, growing his workshop offerings, and building partnerships that allow his message to spread farther and faster.
He’s also continuing to develop his Empowerment Course, Unleash Your Inner Strength: A 6-Week Journey to Emotional Empowerment and Personal Transformation, and plans to publish more books designed to guide readers through their own journeys of resilience. His free guide, Unlock Transformation: 7 Steps to Unleash Your Potential, is already helping people take the first steps.
But no matter how big his platform grows, his goal remains the same: to help people rise.
Connect with Sheldon Crocker
- Website: https://www.sheldonstransformativethinking.com
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sheldon-r-s-crocker
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Sheldon.R.S.Crocker.Speaker
- YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@sheldonscrockersTransformThink
- Email: sheldon@sheldonstransformativethinking.com
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