Why Discernment and Curiosity Matter in Career and Life: A Conversation with Mark Morinishi
This episode features Mark Morinishi, whose career has spanned playground design, English teaching in Japan, and digital engagement at a Bay Area church. The conversation explores how discernment and curiosity can guide individuals through nonlinear professional journeys. It raises broader questions about finding purpose when life and career take unexpected turns.
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Key takeaways
Career paths are rarely linear — Mark Morinishi's journey illustrates how diverse experiences can lead to meaningful work.
Discernment and curiosity are essential tools for navigating unexpected professional and personal transitions.
Finding purpose often requires openness to roles and industries far outside one's original plan.
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Career paths rarely move in a straight line. For Mark Morinishi, the road wound from designing playgrounds to teaching English in Japan, and eventually to leading digital engagement at a Bay Area church. His story raises a timely question: how do we find purpose when our professional lives take unexpected turns? This episode explores what it means to craft a career defined not only by talent, but by discernment, relationships, and faith.
So how does one move from landscape architecture to digital ministry, and what lessons can we draw from a career guided by curiosity and community?
In the latest episode of Crafted Journeys, host Suzy DeLine sits down with Mark Morinishi, Director of Digital Engagement & Creative Associate at Menlo Church. Together, they trace Mark’s unconventional journey—from designing parks to teaching abroad, and ultimately building online communities of faith. The conversation dives into discernment, the influence of mentors, and the importance of curiosity in both professional and personal growth.
The conversation delves into…
From Parks to Pulpits: Mark reflects on his early career as a landscape architect, a season teaching in Japan, and the pivot that brought him into ministry at Menlo Church.
The Power of People: He credits mentors, family, and friendships—both local and international—for shaping his journey and guiding decisions at key inflection points.
Discernment as a Superpower: Mark describes his natural ability to make quick, intuitive decisions, tempered by curiosity and collaboration, while acknowledging the “kryptonite” side of leaning too heavily on that gift.
Mark Morinishi is a digital strategy and brand engagement leader with a decade of experience growing online platforms, producing cross-channel content, and leading creative teams. At Menlo Church, he spearheaded the launch of the online campus, podcast network (1.7M+ downloads), and YouTube channel, while also driving social media growth and helping raise $80M through a major capital campaign. Known for combining strategic vision with hands-on production and team development, he has guided organizations through cultural shifts while building sustainable digital communities.
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