Feb. 5, 2026

From Spark to Spotlight: Turning Big Ideas into Reality in Scranton and Beyond

From Spark to Spotlight: Turning Big Ideas into Reality in Scranton and Beyond
Season 1

What does it really take to turn a spark of an idea into something tangible, impactful, and lasting?

In this episode of Spark Me, Liz and Michele dig into the power of execution — how following through on a vision can change communities, careers, and even the reputation of an entire city.

Liz shares the origin stories of Circle 200 and Women Business Leaders in Healthcare, two peer-to-peer networks she helped found to answer a deceptively simple question: Who mentors the mentor? These groups became lifelines and launchpads for high-performing women leaders who needed trusted circles as they reached the top of their industries.

From there, Michele walks us through another bold idea brought to life: The Office Convention in Scranton and, years later, the The Office exhibit at The Everhart Museum. You’ll hear how a fan-fueled vision, a few key connections, and a deep love for Scranton transformed what could have been a punchline into a powerful celebration of place, creativity, and community pride — brought to life through her work at LayerX.

Along the way, Liz and Michele explore what separates people who talk about ideas from those who actually build them — and why embracing, rather than resisting, a narrative can completely flip how a city (and its people) are seen. The conversation also looks ahead to two upcoming, deeply personal and practical Spark Me episodes — focused on women’s health, hormones, and honest conversations many women don’t know where to have.

In This Episode You’ll Learn:

  • Why ideas alone aren’t enough —and what separates builders from talkers
  • How Circle 200, Women Business Leaders in Healthcare, and The Office Convention all began as simple “what if? "moments
  • The behind-the-scenes story of how Scranton became a beloved character on The Office
  • How embracing — not resisting — a narrative can transform perception and pride
  • Why meaningful, impactful work doesn’t require a major city or perfect conditions

Resources From This Episode:

Keep Sparking

If this conversation resonated with you:

  • Have a question for an upcoming guest? Email us at ⁠sparkmepodcast@gmail.com⁠ with your questions for Erin Murphy Ross, PhD or Adrienne Cotton, and we’ll weave them into the conversation anonymously. If you’re wondering about it, you’re not alone.
  • Follow Spark Me wherever you listen to podcasts so you never miss an episode
  • Share this episode with a friend sitting on an idea they can’t quite shake.
  • Leave a rating or review — it helps more women find these conversations and join the circle