What's Your Story with Jaime & Stan

What’s Your Story, Kelsey Kates? The Ripple Effect: Sustainability, Parenthood, and Purpose

Episode Summary

In this episode, Kelsey Kates, sustainability advocate, global speaker, and Google executive, shares how tiny actions can create a massive ripple effect. She calls it the Butterfly Impact, small, meaningful choices that lead to big, lasting change. From parenting and sustainability to her work at Google helping major corporations rethink sustainability, Kelsey shares inspiring (and funny!) stories of how eco-conscious living is more accessible than we think. Expect insights, humor, and a powerful reminder that no action is too small to make a difference.

Episode Notes

In this episode, Kelsey Kates, sustainability advocate, global speaker, and Google executive, shares how tiny actions can create a massive ripple effect.

She calls it the Butterfly Impact, small, meaningful choices that lead to big, lasting change. From parenting and sustainability to her work at Google helping major corporations rethink sustainability, Kelsey shares inspiring (and funny!) stories of how eco-conscious living is more accessible than we think.

Expect insights, humor, and a powerful reminder that no action is too small to make a difference.

Key Topics Discussed:

The Butterfly Impact: Small Actions That Spark Change

• The 40th birthday gift that changed everything—how her husband’s idea led to 40 people committing to one year of sustainable action.
• Why small shifts (like switching to oat milk or biking once a week) can influence a much bigger movement.

Sustainability in Everyday Life & Business

• How her 3-year-old son decided to be vegetarian—and how their family embraced eco-conscious eating.
• Practical, easy sustainability swaps (without sacrificing convenience).
• Her role at Google helping corporations turn sustainability into a business advantage.

Parenting, Mental Health & Balancing It All

• The realities of having a second kid and the challenges of juggling work, family, and marriage.
• Why talking openly about sustainability, even if you’re not perfect, is so important.

Memorable Quotes 

“You don’t have to be perfect to make a difference—just take one step forward.” – Kelsey Kates
“Sustainability isn’t about sacrifice; it’s about finding better ways to live.” – Kelsey Kates
“The best birthday present ever? Seeing 40 people make real changes for the planet.” – Kelsey Kates

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If this episode inspired you, share it with a friend who wants to make a difference!

Connect with Kelsey Kates:
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/kelseykates/
Recommended Reading: 7 Habits of Highly Effective Families by Stephen Covey

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Apple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/whats-your-story-with-jaime-stan/id1768048076
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Amazon Music - https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/3c4c493e-e2f2-4b4b-bfd3-52174caeaf7c/what's-your-story-with-jaime-stan

Email guest suggestions or thoughts: connect@jaimemarco.com
 

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Website - jaimemarco.com
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