What fun is a hula-hoop contest without a little encouragement? Last week Kevin Carroll, author and founder of Kevin Carroll Katalyst/LLC, came to Deutsch LA to introduce Anthem’s Bring Back Recess initiative to the rest of the agency that doesn’t work with Anthem.

Bring Back Recess is an experiential and digital campaign that encourages everyone to take a recess and play more every day. Kevin came out to teach us how we can elevate our lives through the hidden power of play.

“As children we have amazing inventive spirits and we can cope with some amazing things,” Kevin said. The product of two absent addict parents, Kevin added, “My love of books, sports and knowledge took me to places where I was nurtured and encouraged, where I turned my dreams into reality.”

Best known for his work with the NHL, NFL, ESPN, Starbucks and Nike, Kevin now inspires both businesses and individuals, from CEOs and employees of Fortune 500 companies to schoolchildren.

Living up to his motto, “There is one great commonality in the world, which is that we all speak ball,” Kevin left Nike in 2004 to partner with Beyond Sport Worldwide. It’s an initiative that brings together people who believe that a ball can change the world.

But how can his passion affect us, the corporate crowd, whose idea of exercise is to run from meeting to meeting? Kevin insists, “Do not get stuck in the adult posture.” You need to look up away from the screen once in a while.

And that’s where the hula-hoop contest came in. Playing is about being connected to others, it’s about bringing your smile back. Because, Kevin says, “If you have a nasty attitude, it’s what you’re going to get back.”

2012-05-22