Kathy Parry - Corporate Energy Expert

05/05/2026

There’s something special about a group that understands this:
Joy should be part the work they do.

Just back from Pennsylvania Assisted Living Association (PALA) conference in Hershey, PA, and I’m still smiling thinking about the leaders in that room. The work they do every day matters deeply… for residents, for families, and for the teams who show up to care.

A quick moment of gratitude (and yes, a little humble brag 😉):
100% of participants shared that my keynote, The Joy Jolt Effect was valuable.

But what stood out even more wasn’t the feedback… it was the commitment in the room.
These are professionals who:
• Create moments of joy for residents who depend on them
• Support teams who are often stretched thin
• Show up with heart, even on the hardest days
And somehow… they still choose to bring energy, connection, and purpose into their communities. That’s not easy work but it is meaningful work – and joy-filled.

I also really enjoyed attending sessions and the expo! Learning more about Christopher Carter, MPA mission with Purple Flag Excellence in Dementia Care™ was enlightening and important. And meeting Eric Dodson, MBA, MPT, CDP with BAYADA Senior Living Solutions created a full circle moment because Bayada was so important in the care of my daughter. The expo was filled with professionals who genuinely care and support the professionals doing the caring.

And it’s a privilege to stand alongside leaders who care that much.

(Also… any conference that includes a Hershey Kiss photo op knows how to make a chocolate lover feel right at home 🍫)
To everyone at PALA… thank you for the work you do and the joy you bring. Susan Saxinger DeLuca Janet Neidig Ian Yannuzzi (thank you for not singing "Firework")
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02/27/2026

A big reveal...coming soon!

02/27/2026

01/19/2026

Burnout can happen when we don't have the information or skills to do our jobs. Anyone who has felt that overwhelm of "too much to do, and not enough resources or knowledge to get it done" knows what this feels like.

The solution:

Organizations: Prioritize training!

Individuals: Be life-long learners!

When we have the confidence to do our jobs, we don't exert as much effort. Burnout diminishes.

Professionals who have gone through my Power UP Leadership retreat know that burnout happens not just from lack of sleep and long hours, but also lack of support and development.

08/05/2025

They call themselves Lunch Ladies and Lunch Lads -
but what I saw was a room full of purpose-driven professionals.
I had the privilege of speaking for the School Nutrition Association, and it meant more to me than they may ever know.

Because when my daughter Merritt was diagnosed with a rare metabolic condition, I became a student of nutrition. I learned how our bodies use food, how they metabolize it and just how critical it is for children to have access to real, nourishing meals.

It was never “just lunch” for us.

These incredible school nutrition professionals are fueling learning, energy, growth, connections, and as one participant told me - manners!
In my keynote, we talked about rediscovering purpose.
And I reminded them:
You’re not just serving lunch.
You’re serving wellness, connections, empathy, support and enriching lives.
And I meant every word.
To all the Lunch Ladies and Lunch Lads who show up every day with care and commitment: Thank you for what you do. It matters. 🍎

And thank you to the amazing leaders of the association: Malone Neumann Lexvold Margaret Winchell Glen Ritter, SNS

07/24/2025

Still smiling from my time with LeadingAge Illinois this week where I had the honor of delivering the Day 2 keynote at their annual conference. (Special thanks to FIVE19 for sponsoring the session!)

This incredible group brings so much joy to the people they serve - residents, teams, families. But sometimes, even the most mission-driven professionals need a little Joy Jolt of their own.
A reminder to reconnect with:
🔹 Purpose – the deeper why behind what they do
🔹 Gratitude – for the small wins and big impact
🔹 Loyalty – to themselves, their teams, and their mission

It was a privilege to also lead the Unlock Trust breakout session, where we explored practical ways to repair the fractures that quietly wear down even the best teams.
And of course- what’s a conference without a few speaker friends? Loved catching up with the legendary black tie leader Bob Pacanovsky, the wise and wonderful Jerald Cosey, HFA Cosey, and the hilarious, high-energy tech NERD herself, Beth Ziesenis.

Huge thanks to Erin Wolkotte, Emilie Perkins, CMP, CAE, CMM, PMP, CED, and Michelle (Mazza) Rybicki for putting together such a meaningful, joy-filled event. I’m grateful for the opportunity and the conversations that followed! LeadingAge

02/10/2025

Teams need to be energized or people leave. My new speaker reel is HERE! I help organization keep their teams energized so they show up, stay and contribute!

I would LOVE your feedback.

After watching this 2 minute video: How Do You Feel?

Are you looking for a speaker for your next leadership retreat? Conference? or Team Workshop? Let's connect.

01/05/2025

I know for many of you (and me) it is chilly out and you are not thinking of your summer fun. But there are dedicated JOY enthusiasts planning for summer fun now. I spent the last couple of days speaking at the Ohio Fair Managers Assn as they celebrated 100 years! And wow, let me tell you they know how to throw a conference!

Last year I started doing research on industries and professionals who bring JOY to others. And happily I found out, the list is long. So I reached out to the fair association because I grew up going to fairs. And the thing about a county fair is that it offers waaay more to attendees and communities than meets the eye.

⚡➡️Fairs are in the business of building community, teaching youth responsibility, celebrating agriculture, bringing generations together and creating moments for connection and joy.

I invite you to consider visiting your county fair this year! It isn't all funnel cakes and potato patch fries, it's a big old joy-filled event!

Have you gone to a fair recently?
International Association of Fairs & Expositions
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Howard Call

11/04/2024

As a Miami University alum and someone who’s found years of JOY at Starbucks, (including meeting my husband there!) I was especially interested in the recent The New York Times article on Starbucks CEO Brian Niccol's efforts to address challenges facing the brand.

I couldn’t agree more with his perspective—Starbucks can and should be more than a transaction. For me and so many others, Starbucks has been a place of connection and comfort, where a friendly barista and a cozy space meant more than just coffee. And I also believe like the article states, a visit to Starbucks feels very transactional now.

I believe a return to the “coffee house” mentality—where Starbucks is truly a “third place”—could be transformative, and here’s why:
➡️Community Building: A coffee house creates opportunities for genuine connection, reminding people that they’re part of something larger. Connections bring joy and that is what this upcoming season is all about.

➡️Loyalty Through Experience: Going beyond the transaction to create memorable moments builds lasting loyalty that no mobile app can replicate. (just wait until I share exactly how loyal my family is to the brand!)

➡️Employee Engagement: When baristas can connect with customers, it not only enriches the customer experience but energizes the staff, reducing burnout and increasing satisfaction. And in my keynote session "Joy Jolt" I share three important reasons why joy is important to retaining employees.

✨ This holiday season, I’m launching a personal initiative to discuss rediscover the joy in connections and with our work. And yes, there may be a few more Starbucks references. Over the coming weeks, I’ll be sharing insights and ideas here on LinkedIn to inspire a new season of joy for teams. Here’s to rekindling the spirit of Starbucks as a gathering space, where joy and connection thrive. ☕

04/12/2024

The problem with JOY❓ Did you know there could be a problem with joy❓For many professionals who serve in care-based industries joy can be an issue. I give many thanks to the dedicated professionals like the members of Illinois Home Care and Hospice Council for the work they do. During my keynote this past week, Joy Jolt: Ignite Your Culture with Purpose, I shared one of the problems with JOY.

In the work that caregivers do, there are circumstances that are not innately joyful. And that is the problem with joy. If we base our feelings on circumstances, the best we can get to is happiness. But if we remove the circumstances and instead focus on those "pause-worthy" moments - holding a hand, sharing a memory, listening intently - then we can feel those moments of joy, despite the circumstance.

The work that is done to bring that joy to people who need it is special and it takes dedicated professionals. Please thank a caregiver, support legislation and consider giving to organizations who do the JOY work.

Thank you Illinois Home Care and Hospice Council for allowing me to jolt your members with joy this week. You all are very special and the work you do is amazing.

National Association for Home Care & Hospice

09/30/2022

After only being an Ohio resident for a week...I was back in Pittsburgh. Thank you PALA - Pennsylvania Assisted Living Association for a great event. I spoke with so many members who are ready to POWER UP!