Thedrum

If you think that, tucked away in Alaska, there isn’t much in the way of creativity or outstanding work, Karen King, president and CEO of Spawn Ideas will certainly prove you wrong many times over. The full-service, independent shop, with offices in Denver and Seattle, embraces its Alaska — and it is an enticing environment steeped in the abundance of the state, especially the outdoors. In fact, the agency has been named one of Outside magazine’s best places to work for five years running. But what happens at the agency indoors (and, in fairness, outdoors as well) is testament to King’s leadership. A native Minnesotan, King is a mindful leader who embodies a form of leadership that is profound and caring — filled with passion and drive, much like the agency’s staff and the place they all call home — yet leavened with accountability, industry and hard work. King’s intellect and curiosity are perfect foils, bouncing off each other to form a world and work view that puts curiosity, generosity and cultural un