Episode Summary
In this inspiring episode, host Russel Dubree sits down with Keely O’Connor, the founder of Prosperitas Animation Studio, based in Phoenix, Arizona. Specializing in conversion-focused animation, Keely shares how her unconventional career path, from biology student to Italian restaurant marketer, eventually led her to launch an agency rooted in creativity and purpose. Keely opens up about the emotional toll of toxic workplaces, the spark that launched her business during the pandemic, and the guiding philosophy of Ikigai that still shapes her life and work.
Episode Highlights
- How burnout at a toxic job led Keely to reevaluate her entire life during the pandemic
- The unlikely influence of Tai Chi and sun-gazing at a golf startup on her creative thinking
- Why the concept of Ikigai became the foundation of Prosperitas’ mission
- Heartfelt stories of impact…from animating a poem for a client’s dying father to empowering her creative director to support his family
- Keely’s evolving vision for Prosperitas, including public speaking and deep personal alignment
Agency Info
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Company: Prosperitas Animation Studio
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Guest: Keely O’Connor
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Year Started: 2020
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Employees: 1-10
I can have big, ambitious goals to change the world, but what if I just changed one person’s life 180 degrees?
Keely O’Connor
Key Takeaways
Pain Can Be the Catalyst for Purpose
Keely’s story underscores how difficult experiences, like being stuck in a draining, unfulfilling job, can become a powerful catalyst for change. It wasn’t until everything felt like it was falling apart that she realized she could build something better. “If I can change my job and create my own business, maybe I can change the rest of my life.” This moment of clarity led her to pursue something she could love, believe in, and grow with.
Building a Business with Ikigai at Its Core
Rather than chasing money or status, Keely anchored Prosperitas around the Japanese philosophy of Ikigai, a blend of passion, skill, market demand, and purpose. This alignment fuels her commitment and allows her to create work that’s both joyful and effective.
Your First Client Can Change Everything
Keely credits her first client, Sergio, as a pivotal figure who helped her build momentum. His belief in her wasn’t transactional, it was personal. It reminds all entrepreneurs that early champions matter and generosity can create a ripple effect.
Impact Doesn’t Require Scale
Whether working with DoorDash and Pfizer or creating a video gift for a cancer patient’s family, Keely finds fulfillment in projects big and small. She balances ambition with a deep respect for individual transformation…within her team, her clients, and herself.
Work-Life Balance Isn’t a Luxury, It’s a Design Principle
For Keely, quality of life is non-negotiable. Entrepreneurship gave her the freedom to design a business around flexibility, creativity, and wellness. Her story reinforces that business success doesn’t have to come at the cost of personal joy.
Show Notes
Mentioned in the Episode:
- Ikigai (Reason for Being): Learn more about Ikigai
- Sebastian Terry – 100 Things: 100 Things website
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