What Works: Appreciate the Greatness in Carson City

Today, I’m so excited to announce the launch of a major project. This is my final semester of graduate school at USC Annenberg School of Communication and Journalism. I am starting research on my theory. I call it Crappertunity.

I am researching something I hope will help many lives and businesses. The theory will define the moment when crisis generates more opportunity than would have existed without the crisis. That's right. There's gold in them there problems! I’m defining what people can do to create opportunity from crisis. I’m also looking at the psychological side of it. I’m looking at how people get stuck in crisis mode. Sometimes, they may not be ready to see the Crappertunity. All they see is the crap.

But this column isn’t all about me or my pending theory. It’s about the people in Carson City and the surrounding area. These people create work that resonates beyond state lines. They impact lives inside and outside of Nevada. This column is in celebration of them.

This weekend, I thought about all the powerful work that has come out of Carson City. I felt grateful to live in a place where people are doing great things.

Did you know that acclaimed fiction writer Ellen Hopkins lives in Carson City? Hopkins has eight successful young adult novels and two adult novels. She is a New York Times bestselling author. The first time I read her work, I was reaching for a random book at Classy Seconds. That’s how I discover new fiction in thrift stores. I picked up a copy of her book Burned and you can imagine my delight to see she’s a Carsonite! Check her out on her website here.

Speaking of people who have made a name for themselves, Nicolas Cage loves Carson City. He doesn’t live here. But, in 2013, he lobbied to have more films shot in Nevada. The lobbying paid off. You can be part of it, too! This month, Tru Talent Agency is casting 300+ extras for the movie Mustang.

You can submit your headshot and information right here. Toni Suttie calls this area home, too. Her agency, Integrity Casting, is always looking for talent. You can learn how to register with her agency on her website here.

Not everyone who has made a name for themselves here is famous. Some of the most notable people are quietly working to make life better for Nevadans. This year, the Nevada Rural Housing Authority received a national award for the second year in a row. The improvements they have made in multi-family housing garnered national attention.

Even the Secret Service has eyes on Carson City. Our own Sheriff Furlong and the Carson City Sheriff’s Office received a U.S. Secret Service Directors award.

I want to encourage you this week to look around at the people you know. Take a moment to recognize those who are serving your city and community. They may not be developing theories or winning national awards. But, in a tight knit community like Carson City, little actions make a big difference. They create opportunity to make a big impact.

Oh, and if you want to follow the development of my theory, you can do that on the Crappertunity web site. Bring your irreverent sense of humor and open mind. It’s sure to be a load of fun to watch. www.crappertunity.com

GET INSPIRED
Motivation Monday with Diane Dye Hansen at Adams Hub for Innovation from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. (Up to two free 30-minute face to face sessions. Email grow@adamshub.com to schedule an appointment).




September 18-20, 2017: Workshop: “Success After Abuse: Empowering Women to Assert Themselves After Leaving an Abusive Relationship” - Nevada Coalition to End Domestic and Sexual Violence Conference, Atlantis Casino and Resort, Reno. (Diane’s session is at 8 am on September 19)

October 11, 2017: Entrepreneurs Assembly at Adam’s Hub for Innovation, inside The Studio. 5:30 pm, free mastermind group.



Schedule a complimentary 30-minute phone consultation with Diane any time at whatworkscoaching.com.

What Works Coaching

Diane Dye Hansen is the Chief Inspiration Officer of What Works Coaching, an individual and organizational coaching and consulting firm based in Carson City. She has 20 years of experience working with top corporations, growing businesses, motivated entrepreneurs, and individuals hungry for a fresh start. Diane holds a Bachelor’s in Business Administration and Marketing from Cal State San Bernardino. She is also a candidate for a Master’s degree in Communications Management from the University of Southern California. Her column appears every Monday, and sometimes Tuesday, in Carson Now.