Feeling Like You've Been There Before, Even When it's Your First Time… Hospitality is an Art! Ep: 46

If you're a business owner who occasionally – or frequently – takes your team off-site because you want them to think more creatively, work more collaboratively, be more innovative, and possibly even have more fun working, why would you even consider taking them to a beige, boring off-site conference room or meeting space? If you've done that, and wondered why they weren't more creative, collaborative, innovative, or playful, nor was the meeting any more fun or interesting or productive than the ones you've held previously in your own conference room… The answer couldn't me more obvious to Mark Henson, Founder of sparkspace in Columbus, Ohio. It all a couple of decades ago when Mark was working in a design firm. So many who visited the firm noted that they were a bit envious about the fun, funky, colorful space the design team and staff got to work in every day. In fact, some companies actually asked the firm to use their conference rooms for team meetings… It sparked Mark's thinking that there was opportunity there, and so it began. sparkspace was born in a 900 square foot space that Mark set up to be meeting friendly and tested his idea for a year. It was a tremendous hit and he needed more space sparkspace has expanded several times and today encompasses 10,000 square feet for six different sized- and themed-meeting rooms that are unlike any meeting space you've ever been in. But it's not just about the fun, funky décor and amenities. Mark and his team are truly obsessed with providing exceptional hospitality. "We want our guests to feel truly welcome in our space," he explained. "Even if this is their very first visit, we want them to feel as if they've been there before, they are truly welcome, and we are fully at their service." This episode touches on the fun and creative nuances in business and moves into other topics including leadership, personal and team development, how important it is to take time to reflect on experiences to extract the depth of the lessons contained within them, and much more. Mark's Bio Mark Henson is the chief imagination officer of sparkspace, a company that sparks new thinking with its unique conference space and inspirational programs for teams and individuals. After graduating from Oklahoma Christian College with a degree in Mass Communications, Mark worked as a radio personality, marketing director, copywriter, and a brainstorming facilitator for some of the world's most successful brands. 20 years ago, Mark designed and launched sparkspace as a full-time facility dedicated to helping teams have more meaningful conversations about overcoming challenges, building relationships, and creating better futures. In March of 2017, Mark released his first book, Ordinary Superpowers: Unleash the Full Potential of Your Most Natural Talents. The purpose of the book is to help you discover the talents that create the most positive change in your life, the lives of others, and the world around you. Mark lives in Upper Arlington, Ohio, with his wife, 2 teenagers, and a black cat who rules the whole house. Connect with Mark and Other Resources: www.sparkspace.com www.asuperpoweredlife.com Dan Sullivan – Strategic Coach