What's Your "And"?

Catherine Mattis shares her journey from overcoming a fear of public speaking to performing stand-up comedy across the New York. She explains how comedy has helped her find her voice, improve her resiliency, and become a more confident communicator, all skills she uses daily as a public accountant. Catherine emphasizes the importance of having passions outside of work, ensuring she avoids an identity crisis as work changes happen. She also discusses her positive workplace culture at LVBW, where differences are celebrated and personal interests are openly embraced. Catherine keeps her workplace humor appropriate and finds that clients and colleagues are genuinely curious about her comedy background. Her biggest advice: your hobbies matter and the right environment will appreciate and support who you truly are. Episode Highlights · Catherine emphasizes the importance of having something outside of work to avoid an identity crisis. Comedy helped her discover who she truly is. · Performing comedy, especially dealing with tough crowds and bombed sets, has helped her develop resilience that translates directly into handling feedback and challenges at work. · She points out that being "naturally funny" is just a starting point. Consistent practice, writing, and effort are what make someone good at comedy, or any skill. · Catherine stresses how a supportive and human-focused work environment makes it easier (and more motivating) to bring your whole self to work and build real relationships. · She encourages listeners not to hide their passions and hobbies, as sharing them openly leads to authenticity, better energy, and sometimes even helps you find the right people and organizations to surround yourself with.

Rachel Farris shares her journey as a passionate foodie and how her love of food connects her with people at work and beyond. She talks about growing up watching cooking shows, recreating dishes with her sister, and traveling specifically to try unique foods from around the world. Rachel reveals how documenting her food adventures on the Belly app helps her share recommendations and stay connected with friends and former colleagues. She emphasizes the power of food to build relationships, break the ice with clients, and foster a sense of community in any workplace. Rachel also encourages listeners to share their own interests at work, noting that people love to see others light up with passion. Her story is a vibrant reminder that who you are outside of work matters and can unify teams in meaningful ways. Episode Highlights · Rachel is a passionate foodie who travels specifically to try local dishes and recreates them at home. Food is a central hobby that lights her up both personally and professionally. · She believes talking about personal passions like food helps build meaningful relationships at work, even bridging gaps between colleagues of different titles, generations, and backgrounds. · Rachel emphasizes that being open about your interests and personal life at work can create trust and deeper human relationships, leading to better teamwork and mutual support. · She shares that firms should create open spaces and events where people can share and celebrate their "And"s, showing that this positively impacts morale, retention, and overall culture. · Rachel encourages listeners to share their unique hobbies or interests at work, saying people are more receptive and interested than you might think as it often leads to unexpected connections and memorable relationships.

Steve Ferguson shares how his passion for cars started in childhood, fueled by a neighbor who gave him car magazines from around the world. Steve recalls how his love for automotive performance led him to owning a 1993 Dodge Viper, founding the Viper Club of America, and instructing others in high-performance driving across legendary racetracks in the U.S. He describes memorable experiences, like clocking 186 mph in a Viper and teaching the drummer of Smashing Pumpkins, Jimmy Chamberlin, to drive his Ferrari. Steve also talks about his enthusiasm for scuba diving, his loyalty to the Dallas Cowboys, and a lifelong love of ice cream. He discusses why sharing personal interests at work matters, saying it makes people memorable and brings excitement into professional environments. Steve encourages listeners to embrace their "And" stories, believing openness and authenticity foster better relationships and workplace culture. Episode Highlights · Steve Ferguson's love for cars, specifically his experience with the Dodge Viper, played a huge role in shaping his career, personal drive, and the founding of the Viper Club of America. · He uses personal stories and interests to stand out and be remembered in professional settings, believing that sharing your "And" helps build stronger connections. · Steve Ferguson advocates for being open about personal passions and experiences, saying that it leads to more genuine relationships. Even if some people aren't interested, those who are will remember you. · He stresses that company leadership should actively encourage employees to share personal interests, as it creates a more engaged, caring, and high-quality company culture. · High-performance driving, scuba diving, and snowmobiling are more than hobbies for Steve Ferguson. They provide adrenaline, focus, and a reprieve from his highly social work life, which he says makes him feel "freer as a person."

Michael Horwitz shares his passion for tennis, especially playing on grass courts at the historic Longwood Cricket Club in Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts. He talks about how tennis has become a big part of his family's life, with everyone—from his wife and children to in-laws—getting involved in the sport. Michael describes the unique feel and challenges of playing on grass compared to hard or clay courts, and reveals how he hopes to one day participate in Longwood's prestigious 90-and-over tournament. He recounts memorable moments, including playing in a national father-daughter tournament and traveling to famous events like Wimbledon and the French Open. Michael emphasizes the welcoming nature of his club, where tennis is the focus and professional backgrounds take a back seat. He also reflects on how sharing personal passions, like tennis, helps build genuine connections both at work and in life. Episode Highlights · Michael emphasized how tennis became a big part of his adult life and family, providing opportunities to play and connect across generations. · At his tennis club, everyone is welcomed regardless of skill level, and the shared love of tennis creates genuine connections. · He discussed the value of sharing personal interests like tennis with colleagues, noting plans to further encourage his team to share their "Ands" and learn more about each other's lives beyond work. · Michael reflected on the need to feel comfortable sharing personal passions, mentioning that fulfillment comes from work and hobbies alike, and it's okay for interests to be seasonal, as with outdoor grass tennis.

Tim Allen, Chief Growth Officer at MBE CPAs, shares how his lifelong passion for writing and motorsports has enriched both his personal and professional life. He reminisces about his early days getting in trouble for producing a black market student newspaper and how those writing skills, encouraged by his English teacher mom, have led to freelance opportunities with industry publications. Tim discusses his favorite experiences interviewing fascinating people in the automotive world, including celebrities like Keanu Reeves and Aaron Shelby. He believes his pursuits outside of work make him a better business developer and communicator, helping him craft better pitches and approach conversations from multiple angles. Tim emphasizes the value of bringing one's best self, including unique interests, into the workplace, noting how sharing these passions fosters stronger human connections. He encourages others to embrace their interests unapologetically, underlining that being comfortable with who you are paves the way for greater fulfillment at work and beyond. Episode Highlights · Tim highlights how his love for writing and motorsports not only enriches his personal life but also sharpens his skills and creativity in his corporate marketing and business development roles. · His experiences as a freelance writer, interviewing notable personalities and going behind the scenes at motorsports events underscore how following your interests can create unique and memorable opportunities. · Tim believes sharing personal interests (your "And") at work fosters genuine connections, makes you more relatable, and helps build stronger, more engaging relationships with colleagues and clients. · He encourages people not to hide who they are; being open about your hobbies or passions leads to a richer, more authentic professional (and personal) life, even if it takes time to become comfortable with that vulnerability. · Tim values spending time, like coffee catch-ups or casual chats, getting to know people beyond their job titles, emphasizing that these interactions are not only rewarding but also an essential (and too often overlooked) part of building community and culture in and out of work.

Marit Burmood shares her journey from learning to skateboard as a teenager to rediscovering her love for skating as an adult and mom. She talks about the determination, grit, and mental toughness developed through extreme sports and how these qualities translate into her professional life. Marit discusses finding balance between motherhood and personal passions, emphasizing the importance of nurturing one's own interests to stay fulfilled. She reflects on how sharing her true self helped her build more authentic relationships with clients and colleagues. Marit encourages listeners to embrace their unique "Ands" and be open about their outside-of-work interests. Her story is a reminder that being real and pursuing what lights you up creates deeper connections both at work and in life. Episode Highlights · Marit emphasizes the importance of being authentic and sharing her real self, including hobbies and interests, with clients and in her professional life rather than hiding behind a "buttoned up" image. · She shares that pursuing skateboarding and other extreme sports has taught her grit, determination, and mental resilience, which directly translate into her ability to tackle challenges in her work. · Marit discusses how finding balance and making time for her own passions, especially as a mom, has been crucial for her happiness and well-being, rather than always putting herself last. · She believes that showing her human side and sharing personal interests helps build stronger connections and trust with clients and professional networks, rather than appearing as a "perfect" professional. · Marit talks about embracing feedback (whether in skateboarding, public speaking, or business) as a tool for personal and professional growth, and not being afraid to make mistakes or show vulnerabilities.

Erika Flowers, the Chief Client Officer at Profitable Ideas Exchange (PIE), shares her journey from growing up in Montana and falling in love with cross-country skiing to racing professionally both in the U.S. and internationally. She reflects on how her passion for skiing helped her build strong friendships, instilled resilience, and taught her goal-setting, all skills she later found invaluable in her corporate career. Erika discusses the understated power of bringing your outside interests, or "Ands," into the workplace, believing these passions make people more human and effective in business. She explains how PIE's culture thrives by embracing diverse backgrounds and putting people first, aligning with their B Corp values. Erika encourages listeners to recognize the unique value of their outside passions and to seek out workplaces that truly support "living your best life." She closes by crediting her ongoing love for cross country skiing and trail running as continual sources of strength and inspiration both personally and professionally. Episode Highlights · Erika Flowers explains that her initial involvement in skiing was about making friends, but it soon evolved into a passion and a core part of her life. · She highlights how the discipline, teamwork, goal-setting, and resilience developed through cross country skiing directly translate into valuable skills for her career and business, not just for athletes but for anyone with an outside interest or hobby. · Erika Flowers stresses that sharing personal interests at work enhances authenticity, relatability, and connection with colleagues, ultimately making teams stronger. · She describes how by PIE putting people first and becoming a B Corp all supports a healthy, human-centered environment that benefits both employees and clients. · Erika Flowers encourages listeners not to shy away from their hobbies or "Ands," even if they feel niche or irrelevant, because these interests are a source of genuine connection and distinct human value in any professional setting.

Calvin Harris Jr., CEO of the New York State Society of CPAs, shares how running became an essential part of his life after moving to New York. He explains how the running community helped him connect with others and inspired him to challenge himself from 5Ks to completing multiple marathons. Calvin discusses the ways that running has made him a better leader, teaching him resilience and the importance of enduring through difficult times. He reflects on the significance of being authentic at work and encourages professionals to bring their best selves to their careers, including sharing interests like fitness or creative pursuits. Calvin also talks about his love for New York City pizza and reveals his early musical background playing the saxophone. Throughout the conversation, he emphasizes that embracing personal passions outside of work fuels success and well-being. Episode Highlights · Calvin got into running during COVID for health and sanity, and it has now become something that grounds him and makes him a better CEO. · Calvin emphasizes the importance of bringing your best self, including hobbies, interests, and personality, into your professional life instead of separating “work” and “personal.” · The ups and downs, pain and pride of long-distance running have taught him to keep pushing through difficult work times, knowing they don’t last forever. · Calvin discusses how sharing things like his running, tattoos, or other interests actually builds connection, makes work more enjoyable, and helps attract people to the accounting profession. · It’s important for organizations to make space for people to be multidimensional, which is not only more human but also crucial for attracting and retaining talent in fields like accounting.

Bridget Kaigler, CEO and founder of Bringing Leadership Back, joins the show to share how she discovered her passion for gardening and transforming outdoor spaces during the pandemic. She describes creating her backyard retreat as her own form of therapy, turning a previously untouched space into something “magazine ready.” Bridget opens up about how her gardening journey led her to help friends design their own outdoor sanctuaries and how the process became a source of creativity and balance in her life. She reflects on bringing her authentic, extroverted self to the accounting profession, embracing relationship-building and practical leadership. Bridget also highlights the importance of nurturing passions outside of work to stay energized and connected, encouraging others to “bloom where you are planted.” Through her story, she hopes to inspire others to bring their full selves -- interests, hobbies, and all -- into their professional lives. Episode Highlights · Bridget began creating her backyard oasis during the COVID-19 pandemic, transforming a basic yard into a retreat-like, magazine-worthy space without spending much money. · Gardening and yard beautification serve as a form of therapy and relaxation for Bridget. She finds joy in nurturing plants and creating something beautiful from scratch. · The process of gardening -- design, creativity, patience, and nurturing -- mirrors skills and mindsets she brings to her professional life, especially in leadership and relationship-building. · Bridget realized early in her CPA career that embracing her extroverted personality and authentic self led to stronger relationships, better teamwork, and more success than holding back to fit a narrow professional mold. · She emphasizes the importance of having passions outside of work (your "And"), not only for personal fulfillment but also for sparking meaningful connections in the workplace and showing up as your whole self.

Roman Kepczyk shares his enthusiasm for triathlons, adventure travel, and building sandcastles as his passions outside of work. He describes how his background in running led to a lifelong love of endurance events and how friendships grew from training and competing in triathlons together. Roman details the organization, discipline, and teamwork required for triathlons and how these skills translate directly into his work improving business processes for CPA firms. He touches on the importance of travel and shared experiences with his wife, highlighting how they plan adventures years ahead and cherish the memories captured in photos. Roman also discusses how being open about his interests creates stronger, more honest connections with colleagues and clients. Ultimately, he encourages listeners to embrace and share their personal passions for greater personal growth and more meaningful professional relationships. Episode Highlights · Roman highlights the importance of having interests and activities outside of work, such as triathlons, traveling, and sandcastle building, which bring fulfillment and shape personal identity. · He explains how training for triathlons, where meticulous preparation and process are crucial, directly contributes to his effectiveness in process improvement and IT consulting work. · Roman emphasizes that talking about hobbies and adventures with colleagues creates trust, encourages honesty, and strengthens professional relationships beyond just the work being done. · He discusses how it’s important to evolve your interests as life changes, like shifting from intense running to open-water swimming as he gets older, while continuing to seek out new adventures and experiences. · Roman finds great value in capturing, backing up, and sharing memories from his adventures with family and friends, underscoring the lasting importance of experiences over material things.

Nicole DeRosa, Director of Tax at SKC & Co. and a brand ambassador with UWorld Accounting, joins the show to share how her lifelong love for dance led her to become a licensed Zumba fitness instructor. Nicole reflects on her journey from childhood dancing and cheerleading, to discovering Zumba at her gym and eventually integrating her passion into both her professional and personal life. She describes the joy of teaching Zumba, highlights memorable experiences like large-scale fundraisers, and explains the importance of bringing your whole self, including your hobbies and passions, into the workplace. Nicole discusses the balance she’s learned to create between her demanding career and her fitness pursuits, emphasizing that pursuing your passions is key to stress relief and fulfillment. She encourages listeners to recognize that if something is important to them, it’s worth integrating into their lives, and talks about how sharing her "And" has inspired community and connection at work. Nicole’s story is a testament to following your interests and not being afraid to bring them to the forefront of your professional world. Episode Highlights · Nicole demonstrates how bringing your personal passions, like Zumba, into your professional life can enrich both worlds, create community, and boost engagement at work. · She openly discusses her journey to achieving a better work-life balance, acknowledging that it takes time, trial and error, and is a continuous evolution. · Nicole stresses the value of leaders being authentic and showing vulnerability creates a stronger team dynamic and makes the workplace more human and motivating. · Nicole encourages people to recognize and embrace their “And” because it’s what makes them unique and brings joy and fulfillment. · She shares the advice that if something matters to you, it has value, and you should find ways to make space for it in your life and possibly at work.

Robert Eyler shares his journey from college football to becoming a CPA, certified mindfulness meditation teacher and yoga instructor. He discusses how yoga helped him heal both physically and mentally after leaving sports, and how mindfulness practices supported his recovery from an Adderall addiction. Robert opens up about the ongoing stigma surrounding bringing personal passions into the workplace, yet emphasizes the importance of showing up as your whole self for stronger team connections and improved well-being. He recounts transformative experiences, like a 10-day silent meditation retreat and using mindfulness techniques to navigate real-life challenges. Robert encourages listeners to prioritize activities that fill their cups, reminding us that work achievements pale in comparison to meaningful connections and self-care. Ultimately, he believes that embracing your "And" leads to a more balanced, rewarding life, both personally and professionally. Episode Highlights · Robert shared how yoga and meditation helped him transition from being a college football player, recover from addiction, and heal both his body and mind. · He emphasized the value of having interests outside of work, explaining that these passions make people better professionals and more fulfilled humans. · Robert highlighted that slowing down, through practices like mindfulness and yoga, often leads to greater progress and better well-being, in contrast to the constant push for speed and productivity. · He talked about the stigma against openly sharing personal passions at work, and advocated for leaders and workplaces to embrace the whole person, not just the job title. · Robert encouraged listeners to pursue their passions regardless of whether others care, because filling your own cup enables you to better support and connect with others, ultimately leading to a more meaningful life.

Mark Koziel, President and CEO of AICPA-CIMA, shares his passion for smoking meat and cigars, and how these hobbies have helped him connect with others both personally and professionally. Mark talks about how he fell in love with grilling after being introduced to the Big Green Egg and has since embraced experimenting with different techniques and recipes—especially brisket and pulled pork. He emphasizes the importance of practice, especially when cooking for guests, and loves sharing the fruits of his labor with friends and family. Mark also discusses how cigar smoking unexpectedly benefited his career by fostering honest, open conversations with industry peers. He encourages professionals to embrace and share their passions, noting that these interests can strengthen relationships, build trust, and even enhance workplace culture. Mark’s story is a testament to the power of letting your true self shine beyond the job title. Episode Highlights · Sharing personal interests (your "And") at work creates authentic connections and strengthens relationships, both internally with colleagues and externally with clients. · Pursuing hobbies like smoking meat and cigars provides a sense of peace, creativity, and fulfillment that balances the demands of a professional career. · Being open and vulnerable about personal experiences, including challenges and passions, makes leaders more relatable and fosters trust within teams. · Connecting over common interests, even if they’re outside of work, can open doors, offer valuable insights, and propel your career by creating deeper bonds and more honest conversations. · Organizations and leaders should encourage sharing outside-work passions, as it enhances culture, encourages networking, and reminds everyone that people are more than just their job titles.

Ann-Marie Foucault, superintendent of the St. Michael-Albertville School District, joins the podcast to share how her passion for running helps keep her grounded and energized both personally and professionally. She talks about her lifelong love of running, starting in northern Michigan, and how she often explores new cities by going for a morning run while traveling. Ann-Marie discusses the importance of self-care, noting that showing up for herself first enables her to better serve her family and the 7,000 students in her district. She emphasizes building authentic connections with both staff and students, regularly hosting forums and listening sessions to gather honest feedback and encourage student voice. Ann-Marie believes that pursuing passions outside of work helps create stronger relationships and a healthier, more impactful school culture. She encourages everyone to make time for their “And,” since it positively affects productivity, well-being, and community. Episode Highlights · Ann-Marie finds running to be a core part of her identity. It provides her with energy, balance, and clarity in both her personal and professional life. · She lives by Maya Angelou’s quote, “When you know better, do better,” applying it to both running and her work as a superintendent by always striving to improve and push herself while encouraging others to do the same. · Ann-Marie prioritizes building genuine connections with both students and staff. Through regular forums, listening sessions, and classroom visits, she seeks input directly and values everyone’s perspective. · She openly shares parts of her personal life (like running, her dog Stanley, and even little mishaps) with students and staff, using vulnerability to break down barriers and build trust. · Ann-Marie encourages everyone to invest in hobbies and self-care, emphasizing that pursuing personal passions makes people more energized, effective, and capable of serving others, whether in a school district or any other setting.

Dave Olsen, founder and CEO of Nimbl, shares how his passion for mountain biking has played a transformative role in his happiness, resilience, and approach to work. Dave began biking as a practical means of commuting during his time at BYU, but it quickly developed into a favorite release and source of therapy, helping him ground himself and train for life’s challenges. He recounts memorable biking adventures, including completing the 200-mile LoToJa race and conquering the 100-mile White Rim Trail in a single day, which gave him proof that difficult goals are achievable with determination and the right mindset. Dave explains how the mental and physical endurance he builds on the trail directly translates to his ability to handle business and personal challenges with greater confidence. At Nimbl, he intentionally fosters a culture that values the whole person, encouraging employees to pursue their own “And” outside of work and to integrate personal goals into their professional journeys. Dave emphasizes the importance of being open about hobbies and interests, noting that it not only enriches life but also helps him and his team show up as better leaders, teammates, and humans. Episode Highlights · Dave shared that mountain biking is not just a hobby, but a crucial source of happiness, energy, and personal grounding for him, acting as a form of release and therapy. · He emphasized that investing time in mountain biking (or any passion) actually makes him a better leader, employee, husband, and father, as he returns to work and life “lit up,” refreshed, and more effective. · At his company, Nimbl, Dave intentionally integrates space for employees’ personal goals and passions, aligning individual fulfillment with business needs and making it a key part of their people experience. · Dave talked about how the perseverance, mental toughness, and training discipline developed through biking directly help him handle stressful or challenging moments at work and in life. · He encourages sharing “Ands” at work and believes companies are more successful and people are happier when everyone is seen as a whole, multidimensional person, not just for their job titles or roles.

Chris Alder, an executive coach and Zen priest, shares his fascinating journey from working as a chef at ski resorts around the world to finding his calling in spirituality and coaching. He recounts the experiences that shaped his passion for meditation, including a life-changing retreat in India and his ongoing exploration of traditions from different cultures. Chris talks about integrating his Zen background into his coaching practice, learning to embrace it more as his unique brand, and how it attracts clients seeking deeper transformation. He also reflects on the importance of owning one’s unique “And," those passions outside of work that truly light us up. Chris encourages listeners to lead with what makes them come alive and to be unashamedly themselves, as it’s our authentic interests that create genuine connections both personally and professionally. Episode Highlights · Chris shares how stepping fully into his identity as a Zen priest and weaving his spirituality into his coaching has helped him stand out and attract the right clients. · He emphasizes that our hobbies and passions (“Ands”) are our true differentiators and bring light and energy into our lives, workplaces, and relationships. · Chris encourages people to own their unique interests and passions without shame or fear, highlighting that it’s how you talk about what you love, not what the interest is, that draws people in. · His story evolves from adventuring in the physical world (like snowboarding across European borders) to exploring the inner world through meditation and spiritual practice, showing that adventure can be both outward and inward.

Ben Curtis, president and co-founder of Good Measure, shares how a genuine interest in connecting with others has been a driving force in both his personal life and career. Ben discusses how his passion for building meaningful relationships has grown stronger over time and how it shapes the culture at Good Measure. He emphasizes the importance of integrating human connection into the workplace, even in fields like accounting that may not be known for it. Ben believes everyone thrives when they bring their whole selves to work and encourages fostering communities around shared values and authentic interactions. He shares how Good Measure intentionally seeks out team members who value deep relationships, and how spreading joy is a central core value at the firm. Ultimately, Ben encourages listeners to lean into their unique interests and connections, believing that these are what make work—and life—truly meaningful. Episode Highlights · Ben emphasizes that building real relationships and understanding others is a core part of who he is and what brings him joy, both in life and at work. · He believes that people can achieve more together, and that genuine community is essential for experiencing the best that life and work have to offer. · At Good Measure, Ben is intentional about ensuring that technology and systems (like AI) are always in service of building real relationships—with clients and team members. · Ben is explicit about Good Measure’s core values, such as “spreading joy,” and seeks team members and clients who align with this relational, people-centric approach. · Whether you’re in a leadership role or not, Ben encourages individuals to bring genuine human connection into their sphere of influence at work, believing it will lead to more joy and meaning for everyone.

Claire Dowdall, Director of Brand at Exactly What to Say, shares her unexpected journey into the world of powerlifting, a passion she only discovered a year ago. She explains how she overcame setbacks, including failing her initial competition, to eventually win first place in her category at the British Showdown Championships. Claire reflects on the valuable lessons powerlifting has taught her about mindset, resilience, and progressive growth, and how these principles translate directly into her professional life. She emphasizes the importance of having pursuits outside of work and how these interests can positively impact creativity, problem-solving, and workplace wellbeing. Claire encourages leaders to actively learn about their team's outside-of-work passions, noting the positive ripple effects that can result. Her story exemplifies the power of a personal "And" and how sharing it can inspire others to find and embrace their own unique interests. Episode Highlights · The discipline, mindset, and lessons learned from powerlifting—like progressive overload, embracing failure to find your limits, and gradually improving—translate directly to achieving success and resilience in the workplace. · Claire believes having an interest outside of work makes life richer and more balanced. Personal pursuits create a positive ripple effect in both professional and personal spheres. · She emphasizes that sharing your interests with colleagues can inspire others and bring fresh energy and creativity to the workplace. She also urges employers to actively ask about and embrace employees’ outside interests. · Claire highlights the crucial role that mindset plays in both sports and professional life. Building confidence, developing an “alter ego” for challenging situations, and being present in the moment elevate performance and wellbeing.

Neeraj Nagarkatti shares his journey from co-authoring a joke book with his brother as a child to performing multilingual comedy around the world. He discusses performing stand-up in up to six languages conversationally, including a memorable Mandarin set in London while dressed as Freddy Krueger. Neeraj talks about the challenge and creativity involved in telling jokes across different cultures and languages, likening it to learning a song in a foreign tongue. He talks about the importance of having passions outside of work, how his comedy has opened up new conversations with colleagues, and the joy of connecting multiple interests. Neeraj encourages listeners to find their own "And," suggesting that sharing personal interests at work can foster deeper connections. Episode Highlights · Neeraj performs stand-up comedy in multiple languages, using his skills in up to six languages conversationally and several others at a basic level, which adds a distinctive layer to his personal and professional life. · Initially hesitant, Neeraj began sharing his comedy journey with colleagues as he became more confident, which opened up more conversations and connections at work. · Neeraj emphasizes that having interests and passions outside of your primary profession is essential—it brings creativity, breaks the monotony, and adds depth to your identity. · He suggests starting interest-based clubs or groups at work—like language exchanges or baking clubs—because you’d be surprised how many colleagues share your passions or are curious about them. · Whether in comedy, tax consulting, or learning languages, Neeraj finds that creativity thrives when you allow various aspects of your personality and interests to intersect, making both work and life more enriching.

Jen Hamilton shares her journey into Jiu Jitsu, inspired by her son, despite initially knowing nothing about martial arts. She reflects on the challenges and personal growth she’s experienced through seven and a half years of practice, emphasizing that perseverance and doing hard things on the mat translate to greater resilience and determination in her work as a Fractional COO. Jen highlights the value of being a beginner, the importance of community support, and how embracing failure has made her a stronger leader. She also talks about how her “And” makes her a more empathetic and well-rounded person. Jen encourages listeners to follow their interests, even if they have nothing to do with their job, as those passions help shape a richer, more empowered sense of self. Ultimately, she believes that continually challenging oneself in new ways is key to growth both personally and professionally. Episode Highlights · Jen started jiu jitsu not because she was naturally athletic, but because she wanted to support her son and later challenged herself. She found it difficult but rewarding, showing the value of pushing through discomfort and not giving up. · Her dedication to jiu jitsu, despite not being naturally gifted at it, reinforced her ability to tackle hard things at work. It gave her the confidence to handle professional challenges, knowing she’s capable of perseverance outside her comfort zone. · Jen emphasizes how practicing jiu jitsu with a supportive group has been crucial, highlighting the value of learning from and being encouraged by others, both on and off the mat. · She openly discusses her struggles and the slower pace of her progress, noting that consistently showing up and persisting, even when success is hard-won, is more important than immediate wins. · Jen points out that fully embracing who you are—including your non-work passions—makes you a stronger, more empathetic leader. It deepens your humanity, ability to relate to others, and brings out strengths like determination and consistency.