What's Your "And"?

Alvin Hartono, a lifelong gamer and program manager at Google, shares how his love for gaming began with Pokémon Gold on the Game Boy Color and has evolved alongside advances in technology. He explains how early gaming taught him resilience, problem-solving, and self-directed learning, all skills that have translated to his professional career. Alvin Hartono reveals that once he started talking about his passion for gaming during job interviews, it helped him stand out and connect with others more authentically. He notes that many workplaces now foster community through gaming tournaments and dedicated channels for sharing interests, which enhance social connection, especially in remote settings. Alvin Hartono encourages listeners to embrace and share their passions, believing these interests reveal more about a person than their job title. He advocates starting conversations by asking about hobbies, as people light up when discussing what they love outside of work. Episode Highlights · Growing up gaming fostered resilience, curiosity, and a love for learning by encouraging continual trial and error and problem-solving without much guidance. · Modern games are increasingly designed with tutorials and gamification to keep players engaged and coming back daily, which can be addictive but also rewarding. · Gaming sparked an interest in computers and programming, leading directly to career skills, including early experience in customization, automation, and understanding software. · Sharing personal passions like gaming in professional settings can create authentic connections, help in job interviews, and allow you to stand out by showing a fuller picture of who you are. · It's important to own your passions and lead conversations by asking about hobbies and interests outside of work, as these reveal more about who people truly are and help create more genuine connections.

Beth Goff-McMillan, CEO of SKG, joins the podcast to share how her love of wandering and exploring the world began in childhood road trips across the United States, sparking a lifelong curiosity about people and places. She highlights the value she finds in observing human connection, whether in small towns or across continents, and how these experiences help her relate to others and ask deeper questions at work. Beth recalls a transformative solo adventure in South Africa, where she discovered that people everywhere share the same basic desires for their families. She stresses the importance of making time for personal interests and encourages prioritizing one's own goals, believing that time is life's truest currency. At SKG, Beth fosters a culture where employees are supported in pursuing passions outside of work through initiatives like the "Tell Us About Yourself" form and the Culture Club. She encourages others to carve out even small amounts of time for their "And," emphasizing the power of authenticity and balance in life. Episode Highlights · Traveling and exploring from a young age shaped her worldview, inspiring curiosity about how people live and connect in different places. · Human connection is central. Whether through wandering, meeting strangers, or watching others, the act of engaging and understanding is foundational. · Experiencing other cultures and asking deep questions fosters relatability and empathy, which translates directly into her leadership as a CEO. · At SKG, she encourages employees to pursue personal passions and goals, not just work achievements, through activities like the "Tell Us About Yourself" form and the Culture Club. · Managing time intentionally and carving out space for personal interests is essential. Time is our true currency, and balancing it is crucial for happiness and growth.

Jackie Meyer shares her love for world travel, describing how exploring new cultures, especially in Costa Rica, has become a core part of her family's life. She talks about the importance of prioritizing personal passions and time with loved ones, even making major career decisions to support these experiences. Jackie highlights how travel has helped her prevent burnout, encouraging boundaries and planning to maintain a healthy work-life balance. She also discusses how pursuing her "And" connects her more deeply with family, friends, and colleagues, fostering creativity and well-being. Jackie is a strong advocate for blending professional life with personal interests, believing that nurturing multiple sides of oneself leads to fulfillment. Her journey and insights inspire others to reflect on their own passions and find ways to bring them into daily life. Episode Highlights · Jackie emphasizes planning the year with travel and family time as a top priority, restructuring her life to avoid burnout and ensure joy outside work. · She stresses the importance of setting boundaries and recommends putting personal plans first to prevent work from overtaking all aspects of life. · Her journey from workaholism and burnout led her to realize the necessity of "finding herself" and nurturing her passions outside professional obligations. · Jackie encourages setting small, achievable goals in different areas of life (like travel, health, etc.), instead of trying to optimize everything at once, using her balance wheel methodology.

Dan McMahon shares his journey from being a CPA to embracing improvisational and stand-up comedy as powerful hobbies that helped him become more confident, authentic, and fulfilled outside of work. Dan talks about how he started improv as a way to break out of old routines and found that it made him a better listener, collaborator, and public speaker. He also describes how performing stand-up, despite its nerve-wracking moments, became an exhilarating way to push himself outside his comfort zone. Dan credits improv and stand-up for giving him new depth, helping him build stronger relationships with clients, and encouraging those around him to be more authentic. He discusses the importance of finding passions that bring joy and insists that sharing those interests makes everyone better professionals. Dan encourages listeners to focus on what completes them as individuals, suggesting that authenticity and personal passions enrich both life and work. Episode Highlights · Dan credits his years in improv and dabbling in stand-up comedy with making him more confident, a better listener, and more collaborative, ultimately improving his personal and professional life. · He intentionally steps outside his comfort zone (like performing stand-up) to demonstrate the importance of courage. Not just for his own growth, but to inspire his clients to do the same. · Dan emphasizes the value of being authentic with clients and colleagues, sharing his passions and hobbies openly. He notes that this authenticity has made client relationships more natural and rewarding. · He stresses that focusing solely on the technical side of the job is not enough. Having passions and interests outside of work makes us more complete and enjoyable to be around. · His advice for others is to pursue what makes you happy, even if it seems like no one cares. Over time, you'll attract the right people who appreciate your depth and individuality.

Marc Mandell shares his lifelong passion for cars, tracing it back to a childhood experience seeing a classic Corvette for the first time, which sparked his journey into car restoration and customization. He discusses memorable projects, including working on a '63 Corvette split-window and building a GTM supercar from scratch, and emphasizes the satisfaction of rebuilding something from the ground up. Marc highlights how his appreciation for process and order with cars led him to a career in construction, where similar skills apply. He reflects on how people often see cars as just a mode of transportation, while he still finds each vehicle has its own personality and story. Marc also talks about the importance of embracing and sharing your personal passions, encouraging listeners to enjoy what makes them unique. He reminds us that "long days, short years" is a reality, so it's important to be true to what you love and let it show. Episode Highlights · Marc encourages people to enjoy what they're about and not to hide their passions, even if they don't directly relate to their job. He believes we should embrace our interests and bring them into our lives. · Whether it's working on cars or working in construction, Marc values the structured process of building and creating, from breaking things down to putting them back together. The sequence and satisfaction of the work is as important as the end result. · He talks about the importance of leading with empathy, meeting people where they're at, and holding space to understand others' perspectives. For Marc, these qualities help foster better communication and connection in both work and life. · Marc notes that many people put off their passions or hobbies until retirement, which can lead to regret. He urges listeners not to wait because life moves quickly, and it's important to spend time on what makes you happy now. · He makes the point that while family and work matter, they aren't the only defining elements of who you are. Everyone has many facets, including hobbies, passions, and interests, that make up their full identity.

Joe Pope shares his passion for home brewing beer and smoking meats, revealing how his science background and connections with the craft beer community sparked his brewing journey. He talks about experimenting with different styles, giving his beers creative names, and the fun of sharing these creations with friends and colleagues. Joe emphasizes the importance of genuine relationships and how hobbies outside work foster those connections, especially in his role as a business development leader. He also discusses Hinge's unique "Hinge Has Your Back Day," encouraging employees to celebrate their interests and build a positive culture. Joe believes that embracing one's "And" makes professionals more relatable and successful. Episode Highlights · Sharing your personal "And"—your hobbies or passions outside work—can help build better relationships and make you more successful professionally. · Joe found more success when he embraced who he really is and shared that openly, even on platforms like LinkedIn. · He believes understanding clients' and colleagues' interests outside of work leads to stronger connections and better business outcomes. · Creating a supportive, human-centric environment starts at the top and is essential for a positive agency culture. · At his company, they have an annual "Hinge Has Your Back Day," encouraging employees to step away from work and do what they love, reinforcing the value of having interests beyond just the job title.

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.