S1, E85: Discovery Gateway Children's Museum, CEO - Kathleen Bodenlos

Kathleen Bodenlos had everything society told her she should want – a successful corporate career with good pay and prestige. Yet something was missing. "I thought success would make me fulfilled and it was not fulfilling," she reflects. That realization sparked a dramatic career shift that would eventually lead her to Salt Lake City and the helm of Discovery Gateway Children's Museum.Ten years ago, Kathleen took a significant pay cut to pursue her childhood passion for museums, beginning at the Carnegie Museum in Pittsburgh where she grew up. Despite skepticism from friends, the move immediately felt right: "I didn't feel like I was working anymore." This authentic alignment with her values carried her through roles at several prestigious institutions before landing in Utah to lead Discovery Gateway during its most challenging period.When Kathleen arrived, the museum was struggling – closed for months due to COVID and facing an uncertain future. She developed an ambitious renovation plan that was originally meant to take a decade. Through strategic partnerships with corporate sponsors and her energetic leadership style, she's accomplished that transformation in just five years, earning her the 2024 CEO of the Year Award in Utah.The revitalized museum now features extraordinary new exhibits like a dinosaur display with authentic fossils, a stunning $3.5 million train installation (donated by a couple who reached out via Instagram), and an Associated Foods tractor-trailer that teaches children about food supply chains. Coming soon: an Intermountain Healthcare exhibit focused on emotional wellbeing and what will become the largest children's rooftop garden in the country.Beyond the exhibits, Kathleen has expanded access through programs like the Museum Inclusion Fund and reduced admission for families on public assistance. Her philosophy centers around creating spaces where both children and adults can experience joy, wonder, and creativity together – reconnecting with that childlike spark that many of us lose in adulthood.Ready to rediscover your sense of wonder? Visit discoverygateway.org to learn more about upcoming exhibits and plan your visit to this remarkable Salt Lake City treasure.50% Off Minky Couture Blankets: softminkyblankets.com/SMALLLAKECITY Visit www.luxeautomotive.com or use this link to request a quote Please be sure to like, review, follow, subscribe and share the podcast with your friends and family! See you next time Support the showSmall Lake City Calendar, add for all the events coming up straight to your iCal, Google Calendar, or Outlook: https://42b1ul.share-na2.hsforms.com/2NEaCwuBsSH-fY1z5Hr7DkgJoin the Small Lake City Discord: https://discord.gg/TYNzMhCxeKSubscribe to the Newsletter! https://www.smalllakepod.com/newsletter-landing-pageInstagram: @smalllakepodYoutube: https://www.youtube.com/@SmallLakeCityPodcastTikTok: @smalllakepod