What’s Your And?

Franky Lopez, a senior accountant at BMSS Advisors and CPAs, shares his passion for competitive TV shows. Franky dives into his love for "Survivor," "Big Brother," and "The Challenge," as well as game shows like "Wheel of Fortune" and "Deal or No Deal." And let's not forget the Dallas Mavericks in the NBA. Growing up, his family frequently watched these shows together, which fostered his competitive spirit and interest in people's stories. Franky also recounts the excitement of putting in applications to be a contestant and his family's near-appearance on "Family Feud" a few years ago. He emphasizes how these interests help him connect with colleagues and build deeper relationships at work. Tune in to hear how Franky's unique hobbies impact his professional life and personal growth. Episode Highlights · Franky loves watching competition shows like Survivor, Big Brother, The Challenge, and game shows like Wheel of Fortune with his family, which was a significant bonding activity growing up. · He appreciates these shows not just for the competition but also for the personal stories of the participants, which make them more relatable and engaging. · Sharing his interest in competition shows at work helped him connect with colleagues, leading to activities like a Survivor Fantasy League with 20 participants. · Franky believes it’s crucial for organizations to create a culture where employees can share their personal interests and connect beyond work-related topics, fostering a supportive and engaging work environment. · He emphasized the importance of having supportive relationships at work, sharing a personal story of how his colleagues supported him during his father’s illness and passing.

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.