Wendy Walker, VP of Regulatory Affairs at Sovos, shares her passion for quilting and running. Wendy reveals how she began quilting eight years ago to connect with her mom, utilizing pictures and video calls to collaborate from different states. She discusses the therapeutic and creative aspects of quilting, highlighting its significance as a stress reliever and a source of personal fulfillment. Wendy also touches on her initial reluctance about sharing her quilting hobby with colleagues, and how embracing it helped display her multifaceted personality beyond her professional role. She encourages listeners to pursue hobbies for personal satisfaction and to integrate these interests into their work life for a balanced and enriched experience. Lastly, Wendy talks about how personal interests can positively impact professional relationships and corporate culture by fostering creativity and open-mindedness. Episode Highlights · Revealing personal hobbies and interests helps positively impact professional relationships and dispel stereotypes. · Personal items like quilts can spark conversations with colleagues, fostering connections. · Individuals should pursue personal interests for their own joy and not be deterred by fear of judgment. · Balancing personal hobbies with professional life enriches interactions, relieves stress, and enhances overall creativity and job satisfaction.

John Tyreman shares how something simple like having his drum set in the background during a work video call with a client sparked a deeper connection and conversation. He emphasizes the importance of sharing personal interests to build meaningful relationships at work. John recalls inheriting his mom's Pearl Export drum set and how jamming with a neighbor ignited his passion for drumming. He discusses his journey from playing in various rock bands in high school and his twenties, taking a break due to parenting, and eventually returning to drumming. John also highlights how his musical background influences his career in marketing and podcasting. Episode Highlights · Sharing personal interests like hobbies can build deeper connections in professional settings. · Creating a space for employees to share their "and" can enhance team connections and work productivity. · The significance of perseverance with a humorous story from his early drumming days. · Balancing personal passions with parenting responsibilities is crucial for maintaining fulfillment. · The natural connection between personal passions (like drumming) and professional skills (such as marketing and podcasting).

Eric Kamont, Director of Strategic Partnerships for the Industrial Metaverse at Microsoft, discusses the transformative power of integrating personal passions into professional environments. Eric shares how using personal interests as icebreakers has strengthened his connections in both work and while running youth programs. He reflects on losing 115 pounds, achieving a black belt in martial arts, and completing 85 Spartan Races, illustrating his mental fortitude and perseverance. Eric highlights the importance of understanding colleagues on a deeper level and fostering diverse, passion-driven teams. He also digs into the positive impact of a supportive work culture that encourages employees to live their fullest lives. Additionally, Eric emphasizes the value of being change agents within organizations and connecting with others over shared outside-of-work interests. Episode Highlights · Sharing personal passions can serve as effective icebreakers in both work and social settings, facilitating deeper connections and networking. · Embracing and sharing personal interests can positively influence work culture and relationships, creating lasting connections and a supportive environment. · The mental strength developed through personal challenges, such as Spartan racing, can translate into tackling difficult projects and achieving professional success. · Having a diverse team with varied strengths, such as mental endurance and creativity, is crucial for excelling in the workplace. · Organizations should create a supportive environment that encourages employees to share and pursue their passions, leading to better well-being, productivity, and profitability.

Dave Hartley, a partner with Anders CPAs and Advisors and host of the But Who's Counting? podcast, shares his insights on the importance of authenticity and individuality in professional settings. Dave highlights how firm leaders play a crucial role in fostering genuine connections, especially in remote work environments. He recounts his love for music, starting from his first concert in seventh grade, and how working security at concerts influenced his people skills. A memorable story about guarding the stage at a Bon Jovi concert is something you definitely want to hear. Dave also talks about his fondness for stand-up comedy and how its challenges mirror the learning experiences in a career. His passion for music and comedy translates into building strong relationships with clients and colleagues. Episode Highlights · Emphasizes the importance of being yourself in professional settings and how acceptance of individuality is growing in professions like accounting. · Highlights the critical role of firm leaders in fostering genuine connections and interactions, especially in the remote work environment. · Stresses the value of showing genuine interest in employees’ personal interests and hobbies to foster relationships and team engagement. · Explains how his love for music has positively influenced his work, particularly in building and maintaining relationships with clients.

Judge Frank Szymanski discusses the importance of finding activities that bring joy and focus, advocating for spending time in "flow mode." Frank shares his passion for meditation, mindfulness, and yoga, and his efforts to implement these practices in the juvenile and adult prison systems. He also reflects on his dual identity as a singer in a David Bowie tribute band, emphasizing the significance of embracing all aspects of oneself. Szymanski highlights the effectiveness of mindfulness in addressing issues like gun violence and societal anxiety, and questions why such practices are not more widely adopted. Through his music and advocacy, Frank exemplifies the idea of fully activating oneself in both personal and professional life. Episode Highlights: · Emphasize finding joy and focus in activities, not just pursuing money and material gains for happiness. · Advocate for the positive impact of mindfulness, meditation, and yoga. · Highlight the decision to pursue a David Bowie tribute band due to admiration for Bowie's charisma and theatricality. · Stress the importance of serving others and integrating both personal passions and professional duties. · Encourage embracing all aspects of one's identity, including unique hobbies and professional roles.

Sherri Collins, the Chief Diversity and Engagement Officer at Make-A-Wish Michigan, talks with John Garrett about her passion for the performing arts. Inspired by her mother, Sherri's love for musicals, orchestras, and dance performances began at a young age when she first saw Annie. She discusses how these experiences foster human connection, transcend language and cultural barriers, and enhance creativity. Sherri also emphasizes the importance of pausing and being in the moment, and how these lessons translate into her work at Make-A-Wish Michigan. Additionally, she highlights a recent wish story about a boy wanting a saxophone, showcasing the power of community and emotional support. Sherri encourages listeners to share their interests and passions to create a sense of belonging and genuine connections both at work and in the broader community. Episode Highlights · Shared experiences like live performances create unique, bonding moments that connect people on a deeper level. · Involvement in performing arts enriches emotional and communal experiences, which can be translated into the workplace for a more connected team. · The passion and commitment observed in performing arts can be inspiring and enhancing for professional work environments, fostering creativity and dedication. · Engaging in hobbies like performing arts allows for essential mental breaks from work, helping maintain overall well-being and productivity. · Sharing personal passions and interests in the workplace can foster a sense of belonging and deeper connections among employees, creating a more inclusive and supportive culture.

Josh Sterling, a wealth strategist at Camus Advice in California, shares his unique journey from soccer player and coach to his current career. He emphasizes the importance of teamwork, family, and goal-setting, drawn from his extensive experience coaching high school and youth soccer teams. Josh advises listeners to identify their strengths and leverage them in their careers, integrating personal experiences into professional lives. He discusses the significant role of coaches in guiding players while stressing the importance of players taking responsibility. Josh also delves into his passion for helping high-net-worth individuals, particularly those with athlete children, in college planning and wealth management. Finally, he provides light-hearted insights into his personal preferences, from his fondness for vanilla ice cream to his love for the TV show Big Bang Theory.   Episode Highlights · The importance of teamwork, family, and goal-setting in both sports and business · Advises people to identify and leverage their personal strengths in their careers · Highlights the critical role coaches play in guiding players, but also stresses that players must ultimately execute and take responsibility · The struggles business owners face with identity after selling their businesses and the importance of nurturing various aspects of one’s identity beyond work · Draws parallels between his soccer coaching experience and his current role in wealth strategy, noting how skills in teamwork and motivation are transferable across different careers

This week's guest is Sugey Piedra, an enrolled agent at Prominence Business and Wealth Management and host of the Tax Talk with Hey Hey podcast. Sugey shares her passion for smoking cigars while traveling, revealing how it has allowed her to meet fascinating people worldwide. She talks about her childhood restrictions that ignited her love for travel and her many adventures, including trips to Africa and Puerto Rico. Sugey emphasizes the importance of connecting personally with clients, which has improved her relationships and her business. She also discusses designing her office with personal photos to create a welcoming environment. Lastly, Sugey touches on her evolving perspectives on travel and encourages maintaining the human connection in professional settings.   Episode Highlights · Sugey emphasizes the importance of connecting on a personal level with clients to build better relationships and trust · She highlights the significance of showcasing one's personal side through things like personal photos in the office to create a welcoming environment for clients · There is a need to change the perception that professionals, such as accountants, are boring and grumpy by showcasing their diverse personalities and interests · Sugey shares her love for traveling, exploring new places, and meeting new people, often through visiting cigar lounges · Focusing on the human connection as much as professional aspects

Chris Fuller-Wigg, Vice President of Sales at Motiv and advocate for rescuing farmed animals, shares his passion for creating the Austin Farm Sanctuary. He reflects on rescuing two goats and a pig that sparked the sanctuary's growth from a half-acre property in 2016 to 95 acres housing over 215 animals by 2021. Chris emphasizes the importance of being true to oneself in the workplace and praises Motiv for nurturing his ideas and allowing him to develop the sanctuary. His story highlights how integrating personal passions into one's life can lead to unexpected and fulfilling outcomes. Chris encourages listeners to pursue their passions, noting the positive impact on personal identity and professional performance. Throughout the episode, Chris's journey demonstrates the power of authenticity and the infectious nature of passion.   Episode Highlights · the importance of integrating passions into daily life for a fulfilling professional and personal experience. · the role of organizations in fostering environments where employees can be authentic and not feel constrained. · the journey and growth of Austin Farm Sanctuary from rescuing a few animals to housing over 215 animals. · supportive work environments, like at Motiv, provided Chris the skills and stability to effectively manage his animal sanctuary and pursue his passion.

Rory Henry, director at Arrowroot Family Office and host of the AFO Wealth Management Forward podcast, shares how he's seen the What's Your "And"? message resonate with so many people in a short amount of time. He emphasizes the importance of saying "Yes, and" to opportunities, which can lead to serendipitous moments in life. Rory also touches on his passion for sports, recounting memorable experiences at football and basketball games. He discusses using improv comedy to overcome the fear of public speaking and how its principles can be applied in the workplace. In addition, Rory highlights the importance of organizations creating spaces for individuals to explore and share their passions, which can enhance overall well-being. Episode Highlights · He emphasizes the importance of saying “Yes, and” to opportunities as a way to lead to serendipitous moments and open doors for progress in life. · Rory talks about the connection and sense of community that sports can bring, highlighting the emotional rollercoaster and joy of attending live sports events. · He shares his experiences of using improv comedy to overcome fear of public speaking and its successful application in settings like wealth management conferences. · Rory underscores the significance of integrating passions and interests in the workplace to enhance overall well-being and unlock the human element within organizations.

Wealth Management Director and Author Lindsey Kane Leaverton joins host John Garrett to discuss the intersection of her financial expertise and her passion for creativity. Lindsey shares insights from her book "Not Another Self-Help Book," reflecting on the role of songwriting and writing in her personal healing journey. She delves into the unexpected positive impact her book has had on her clients, revealing the importance of authenticity in professional and personal spheres. Lindsey's love for Life cereal, dark chocolate-dipped waffle cones, and an out-of-tune green piano is also on full display. Through her candid conversation, she illustrates the enriching power of embracing one's creative side. The episode showcases Lindsey as a prime example of living the "What's Your 'And'?" philosophy, blending professional drive with personal passions.

Zane Stevens joins host John Garrett to share insights on his nontraditional approach to accountancy firm structure, prioritizing employee happiness for increased productivity. He delves into his personal passions, including his significant involvement in coaching soccer and managing a youth soccer league. Zane credits the skills he's developed through coaching, such as patience and recognizing individual motivations, as valuable lessons that translate to the corporate world.

Clint Padgett dives into his passion for scuba diving, recounting night dives with bioluminescent plankton and close encounters with marine wildlife, such as barracudas and hammerhead sharks. He shares the exhilaration of drift diving in destinations like Cozumel and relives a particularly nerve-wracking experience with an air supply issue in Curacao. Clint also opens up about his journey to veganism through his travels and the use of helpful apps like Happy Cow. He fondly recalls the adventure that led to him and his brother getting certified for scuba diving and speaks on the joy his company brings him in helping clients. Listeners get a glimpse of Clint's personal side as he answers rapid-fire questions, revealing his preferences and favorite memories. Throughout the episode, Clint emphasizes the importance of pursuing individual passions and how they can enrich one’s professional life.

Alice Grey Harrison shares her passion for needlepoint, which she discovered during a sailing trip in the British Virgin Islands. She expresses the meditative benefits of needlepoint and defends integrating hobbies like this into the workplace, arguing that they enhance energy and spark creativity. She advocates for integrating personal passions into work life, suggesting that such practices can lead to moments of clarity and contribute to overall well-being. She also discusses how organizations can have programs to support employees' pursuits outside of work, helping them be their best both personally and professionally.

Steve Grimes delves into his passion for mountain climbing, sharing insights from his experiences with altitude sickness and the perseverance required to conquer towering peaks like Kilimanjaro. Steve, the firm administrator at Whipplewood CPAs in Littleton, Colorado, has tackled 34 of the state's 58 "14ers," with mountain climbing providing him not only a physical challenge but also a mental resilience that translates into his professional life. He discusses the parallels between climbing and workplace culture, emphasizing the importance of vulnerability and human connection. This episode explores how personal endeavors such as Steve's mountain climbing and book collecting can enrich office dynamics and professional relationships.

In this episode of "What's Your 'And'?", Michael Berthold shares his journey from engineering to embracing his passion for music. Michael recounts how forming the band Clubhouse in college and winning a contest to play at the LC Pavilion gave him tremendous confidence, which he has carried into his accounting career. He discusses the balancing act of being a senior accountant and client engagement manager at Bean in Los Angeles, while also pursuing his love for creating music. Berthold encourages listeners to express their hobbies and interests at work, relating a memorable encounter with a CFO who was a former bass player for Imagine Dragons. He emphasizes the importance of being authentic and sharing one's talents with the world.

Chris Mossa, Chief Strategy Officer at Graphite in New York City, shares his passion for endurance running and the impact it has had on his life. He discusses the evolution of running from a competitive pursuit to a mental health practice and now a focus on longevity. Chris emphasizes the importance of finding commonality to make connections in sales and business and highlights the value of getting to know employees beyond their professional skills. He also shares insights on thorough preparation in both comedy and corporate settings, emphasizing the importance of having interests outside of work. Join Chris and host John Garrett in a conversation about the power of personal passions and building connections in the professional world.

Arlie Kidd, Head of Talent Relations at Lemonpie, shares the value of singing as a way to unplug and recounts her personal experiences, from being Miss North Carolina to finding joy in telling people's stories through PR and podcasting. She emphasizes the significance of incorporating personal passions into the workplace to create a more well-rounded and engaged environment. Arlie reflects on the magical moments singing has created and the impact it has had on her professional career, culminating in her recent reconnection with the joy of singing as live events have resumed. She advocates for investing time in activities outside of work for personal enrichment and self-care, encouraging listeners to explore past interests from school and join organizations for personal growth. Arlie Kidd highlights the importance of human connection in the workplace, suggesting that allowing time for personal conversations can lead to emotional bonds and improved work productivity.

Will Hill, owner at Will Hill Consults, shares his passion for hiking and finding waterfalls with host John Garrett in episode 603 of What's Your "And"? He discusses how outdoor activities like hiking have energized him and provided a valuable perspective that he applies to his work. Will talks about his favorite hikes, including those in the redwoods and at Joshua Tree National Park, and how he incorporates his outdoor experiences into his speaking presentations. He also emphasizes the importance of both leadership and individuals in creating a space for people to share their "And." Tune in for this engaging conversation on the What's Your "And"? podcast!

Stephen Vono, Senior Vice President at McGowan Pro, shares his passion for vinyl records and music, which has enhanced his professional career. He talks about how hearing John speak at a conference motivated him to start the Risky Records Podcast which combines his love for music and work, creating a humanizing effect on his professional image. Stephen discusses the resurgence of vinyl, his extensive record collection of over 2,500 records, and the importance of integrating personal passions into the workplace to create human connections and improve client relationships. He emphasizes the responsibility of leaders and individuals in creating a work culture that encourages sharing personal interests.