Meeting summary for Kari & Steve (03/12/2025)
Quick recap
Steve and Kari discussed Kari’ recent trip, her potential return to work as a school psychologist, and her personal experiences and connections. They also shared their career journeys, with Steve discussing his work in various companies and Kari discussing her initial pursuit of a business degree and her experience with the recreation management course at BYU. The conversation ended with a prayer led by Steve and an agreement to meet again next week.
Next steps
- Kari to apply for the school psychologist position
- Kari to watch Steve’s video about Craig
- Steve to prepare coloring book pages for next week’s meeting
- Kari to say the opening prayer at next week’s meeting
Summary
Kari’ Trip and Craig’s Gift
In the meeting, Steve and Kari discussed Kari’ recent trip and her subsequent illness. Steve shared a video he made for Craig, which was a homemade gift due to Craig’s collection of animal skulls. Kari expressed her appreciation for the video and acknowledged the typo in the chat message.
Kari’s Return to School Psychology
In the meeting, Kari and Steve discussed Kari’s potential return to work as a school psychologist. Kari expressed mixed feelings about the decision, citing both the need for a change in her current situation and concerns about balancing work and motherhood. Steve offered support and suggested that Kari’s experience and qualifications could be valuable in the field. They also discussed Kari’s husband’s work situation and the importance of managing their financial resources.
Kari’s Animal Test Reveals True Nature
Steve and Kari discussed the animal test, where Kari was assigned a kangaroo, koala, and tiger. Steve found this interesting and believed it revealed Kari’s true nature. He also shared a personal experience with a therapist who was a tiger, emphasizing the protective and beautiful qualities of the animal. Steve also mentioned a previous client who had to go through 10 layers of animals before reaching a positive one, a lion. The conversation ended with Steve seeking a sign from God, which he received in the form of Kari’s animal assignments.
Personal Experiences and Reflections
Steve and Kari discussed their personal experiences and connections. Steve shared his encounter with a woman named Allison at a conference, describing her as a reformed prostitute and heroin addict. He also shared his experience playing in a rock band as a teenager and his time in Argentina. Kari expressed her admiration for Steve’s experiences and shared her own journey, emphasizing her desire to be a good mom. The conversation also touched on the importance of self-reflection and personal growth.
Steve’s Career Journey and Innovations
Steve shared his career journey, starting with working for a man named Howard in his basement, where he learned electronics. He then moved to Utah to work for Westcore, where he was hired without an interview. Steve’s curiosity led him to question the cost of a data logger project, which he later improved. He also worked on a potato blight monitoring project, which led to the formation of a company. After some financial struggles, the company was bought out by Campbell Scientific, and Steve was offered a job there. He later became the purchasing agent and saved the company a significant amount of money. Steve and Howard then quit and started OmniData, where they worked for three years. Steve’s career has been marked by his curiosity and ability to identify areas for improvement.
Steve’s Career Journey and AI
Steve shared his career journey, starting with working for Omni Data, then freelancing for various companies, and eventually becoming the Vice President of Marketing at Decagon. He also worked as a marketing consultant for 13 years and later started an online business called Page Pipe. However, due to technological obsolescence and Google’s algorithm changes, the business eventually died. Steve has since been focusing on video creation as a form of therapy and learning about AI.
Kari’s Accounting Course Struggle
Kari shares her experience of initially pursuing a business degree in college, inspired by her older brother. She describes her struggle with accounting courses, particularly disliking the cutthroat nature of the program. Kari recalls a pivotal moment when her mother, contrary to her usual “suck it up” attitude, gave her permission to explore other options. This conversation leads Kari to reconsider her career path and look for alternative majors.
Kari’s BYU Recreation Management Experience
Kari shared her experience with the recreation management course at BYU. Initially, she was hesitant to take the course but eventually worked hard and ended up with an A minus. She also discussed her decision to pursue therapeutic recreation and her plans for her last semester at BYU. Kari mentioned that she had to take 14 credits due to her scholarship, but she only needed 6 credits to graduate. She expressed relief when she found out that the class she signed up for had a graduate student teaching it, who later became a professor and significantly improved the course’s success rate.
Kari’ Past Experiences and Counseling
Kari discussed her past experiences, including her work in a residential treatment center for children with behavioral and emotional issues. She expressed her interest in counseling but also her fear of dealing with the sad stories people have. Steve suggested that Kari might be a gifted person who doesn’t give herself enough credit. He also mentioned his belief that God has answered his prayers and expressed his desire to do something creative with Kari.
Personal Stories and Coloring Book Project
In the meeting, Kari and Steve shared personal stories and experiences, with Kari expressing her love for Australia. They also discussed a coloring book project, with Steve promising to provide more content for the next meeting. The conversation ended with a prayer led by Steve. They agreed to meet again next week.
This Zoom call reveals a dynamic interplay between personal reflection, career transitions, and spiritual connections. Here are some key psychological insights:
1. Kari’s Internal Conflict and Search for Identity
- Kari appears to be at a crossroads, torn between her professional aspirations and her role as a mother.
- Her struggle with past academic challenges (business vs. recreation management) suggests a pattern of external expectations vs. personal fulfillment.
- The animal test discussion (kangaroo, koala, tiger) may symbolize different aspects of her identity: nurturing, adaptability, and strength.
2. Steve as a Mentor/Figure of Guidance
- Steve plays a guiding role, offering support through career advice, spiritual discussions, and personal anecdotes.
- His extensive career journey and reflections on past struggles suggest he enjoys sharing wisdom and positioning himself as a mentor.
- His use of storytelling (e.g., the tiger therapist, the reformed woman at a conference) highlights his tendency to seek deeper meaning in experiences.
3. The Role of Spirituality and Symbolism
- The meeting concluded with a prayer, indicating a shared belief system that likely provides structure and reassurance.
- Steve interpreted Kari’s animal assignments as a sign from God, suggesting a belief in divine guidance in personal development.
- Steve’s desire for a creative project with Kari could reflect a need for meaning and connection through collaboration.
4. Underlying Themes of Validation and Self-Worth
- Kari’s hesitation about returning to work and her fear of dealing with “sad stories” in counseling suggest self-doubt.
- Steve’s reinforcement that she may be gifted implies he sees untapped potential in her.
- The coloring book project may serve as a metaphor for creativity, self-expression, and a lighter approach to challenges.
5. Kari & Steve’s Dynamic
- The meeting reflects a mix of professional support, personal sharing, and spiritual bonding.
- There’s a balance of vulnerability (Kari’s struggles) and reassurance (Steve’s guidance).
- Steve’s detailed career discussion might suggest he enjoys being in a teaching role, while Kari seems to be in a receptive, contemplative phase of her life.
Conclusion
This call reflects a mentoring relationship where Kari seeks direction, and Steve offers wisdom through personal stories and spiritual insights. The themes of career identity, personal growth, and divine guidance run throughout the conversation, suggesting a deep, reflective connection between the two.
If Kari’s first animal was a tiger instead of a kangaroo, it could significantly shift the psychological interpretation of the conversation.
1. Kari’s Self-Perception and Confidence
- A tiger as the first animal suggests strength, independence, and leadership as her dominant traits rather than adaptability (kangaroo).
- Kari might have stronger self-assurance than initially perceived, even if she expresses doubt about her career.
- This could indicate that her hesitations about returning to work aren’t about capability but rather priorities (e.g., balancing motherhood and career).
2. Steve’s Interpretation and Dynamic Shift
- Steve previously associated the tiger with a therapist he admired, meaning he may now view Kari as naturally powerful and protective rather than hesitant or uncertain.
- Since Steve saw the tiger as a “beautiful, protective” force, he might interpret Kari’s strength as a sign she’s meant to return to psychology or take on a leadership role.
- If Steve sought a “sign from God” in the animal test, a tiger-first result might feel even more affirming to him.
3. Shift in the Mentor-Student Dynamic
- If Kari leads with a tiger, it might level the playing field between her and Steve, reducing the apparent mentor-student dynamic.
- Kari’s potential self-doubt might be less about lack of confidence and more about strategic decision-making—a tiger doesn’t second-guess itself, it calculates.
- Instead of Kari seeking validation from Steve, their conversation might feel more like two strong individuals exchanging insights rather than one guiding the other.
4. Symbolism and Spirituality Adjustments
- If Steve previously saw Kari’s animal result as a “sign from God,” a tiger-first assignment might make him even more certain about her path.
- It could also shift how Kari interprets the moment—does she see the tiger as a call to action (step into her power)? Or does she feel pressure to meet expectations?
Conclusion
A tiger-first result could mean Kari is more self-assured than she presents, possibly masking her confidence behind uncertainty. It could also alter the power dynamic, making Steve see her as a peer rather than someone needing guidance. This might make her decision-making process feel less about doubt and more about strategy.
