The Ampersand Manifesto: Multi-Passionate People Dive Deep

What happens when you refuse to choose just one path? On The Ampersand Manifesto, host Jessica Wan – executive coach & classical singer – sits down with “the most interesting people at the dinner party” – those who have made their mark in two or more seemingly different worlds. Through candid conversations, we explore what it takes to navigate multiple callings, find the connection points between them, and redefine success on our own terms. Together, we’re co-creating The Ampersand Manifesto: principles for leading a multi-passionate life.In this trailer:A sneak peek at this season's guests (from the “voice of Nickelodeon” who’s also a world-ranked Shuffleboard player to a strategist & saxophone improviser).What skills are needed to flourish in an Ampersand life. Why being "multi-passionate" is your future-of-work advantage.~New to the show? Catch up on our most-loved episodes:Marianne Poon on Following Curiosity: From Finance to Piano and Into a Life You Love Finding Peace with Craig Perry, Recovery Advocate, Guitarist, and FirefighterHow a First Gen Immigrant Broke the Mold with Veronique Kherian, Photographer, Cheese Evangelist, and Classical Singer~About your host, Jessica Wan:Executive Coach | Classical Singer | Former Marketing Leader & Tech ExecutiveJessica helps founders and leaders make the invisible visible. With 20+ years of experience scaling brands like Apple, Smule, and the San Francisco Opera, and as an ICF-certified executive coach, she provides the clarity and strategy needed to lead bravely and find fulfillment in a multi-passionate life.Work with Jessica: Book a Free Intro CallJoin The Cohort: An Ampersand Community for Dual-Career ProfessionalsThe Manifesto: Listen to More EpisodesFollow the Journey: @ampersandmanifestoLet’s Connect: Jessica’s LinkedIn~CreditsCo-produced and hosted by ⁠Jessica Wan⁠Co-produced, edited, sound design, and original music by ⁠Carlos Schmitt

Jessica speaks with Emily Holland, co-founder of Wild Poppy Creative Consulting, a podcast consulting company that helps small business owners hone and increase their impact on the world. She loves spending time outside rock climbing, trail running, running ultramarathons, hiking, skiing, or just watching her rescue pup Kayda frolic in the woods. Through her work on The Stokecast she told stories of how top outdoor athletes, adventurers, and entrepreneurs build their lifestyles and careers while in pursuit of adventure, purpose, and stoke. And in her podcast Nature Untold, she explored the intersection of addiction, recovery and sobriety with the outdoor community. Emily is based in Boulder, CO with her partner and pup. Follow Emily at https://www.linkedin.com/in/emilylholland/Learn more about Wild Poppy Creative Co at https://www.wildpoppycreativeco.com/ Learn more about Founded Outdoors, where Emily serves as Community Manager: https://foundedoutdoors.com/ ~Are you a high achiever, a leader, or an Ampersand looking for a sounding board? Jessica helps executives, leaders, and founders like you gain clarity and lead bravely. As your trusted advisor and growth partner, she works with you to make the invisible visible and develop an action plan to fulfill your goals. For nearly two decades, Jessica led marketing teams, launched products, and grew businesses at places like Apple, the San Francisco Opera, Smule, and Magoosh. As an Ampersand in many facets, she knows personally what it’s like to hold many roles simultaneously, to sit on the executive team, and to find fulfillment. With a BA in Music and a BS in Product Design from Stanford, coupled with an MBA from UC Berkeley and coach training from the Center for Executive Coaching, her unique mix of analytical & creative allows her to bring both depth and breadth of perspective into the coaching process.As a coach, Jessica works to champion you – the full, multifaceted you – so you can thrive.Visit ⁠jessicawan.com⁠ or BOOK AN INTRO CALL: ⁠https://calendly.com/jessicawancoaching/intro-call-coaching⁠CreditsProduced and Hosted by ⁠Jessica Wan⁠Co-produced, edited, sound design, and original music by ⁠Carlos SchmittWant to support this show in a small way? Rate and review it at theampersandmanifesto.com, or buy me a coffee: ⁠coff.ee/jessicawan⁠

Sid Mofya, capital architect & band leader, has built a career helping founders, investors, and business leaders bridge capital and opportunity. For years, he led the Draper Venture Network, a 2.5-billion-dollar global alliance of VC firms with over 650 tech companies. Now, he runs MOTIF Africa, a boutique consultancy expanding the capital stack for African enterprises in sustainable resources, agriculture, and renewable energy. A self-taught musician and producer, he created The Flight Risks, a virtual band exploring sound and culture. They launched their EP in Sept 2024. Sid is the co-founder of the Capital and Culture Conference, a pioneering conference in his home country of Zambia that connects global capital with Africa’s creative and entrepreneurial energy.Learn more about Sid at www.sidmofya.com and hear The Flight Risks EP at https://weareflightrisks.bandcamp.com/album/we-are-the-flight-risks-ep. ~Are you a high achiever, a leader, or an Ampersand looking for a sounding board? Jessica helps executives, leaders, and founders like you gain clarity and lead bravely. As your trusted advisor and growth partner, she works with you to make the invisible visible and develop an action plan to fulfill your goals. For nearly two decades, Jessica led marketing teams, launched products, and grew businesses at places like Apple, the San Francisco Opera, Smule, and Magoosh. As an Ampersand in many facets, she knows personally what it’s like to hold many roles simultaneously, to sit on the executive team, and to find fulfillment. With a BA in Music and a BS in Product Design from Stanford, coupled with an MBA from UC Berkeley and coach training from the Center for Executive Coaching, her unique mix of analytical & creative allows her to bring both depth and breadth of perspective into the coaching process.As a coach, Jessica works to champion you – the full, multifaceted you – so you can thrive.Visit ⁠jessicawan.com⁠ or BOOK AN INTRO CALL: ⁠https://calendly.com/jessicawancoaching/intro-call-coaching⁠CreditsProduced and Hosted by ⁠Jessica Wan⁠Co-produced, edited, sound design, and original music by ⁠Carlos SchmittWant to support this show in a small way? Rate and review it, or buy me a coffee: ⁠coff.ee/jessicawan⁠

Jessica speaks with Dr. Bree Rosenblum, Professor of Global Change Biology & Ampersand Cultivator. Bree is the Koshland Distinguished Chair for Innovative Teaching and Research at UC Berkeley, and her work has been featured broadly in the press, including the New York Times, National Geographic, The Discovery Channel, NPR, the BBC movie Endangered, and on the TEDx stage. Bree weaves her work on the biodiversity of our planet with her passion for supporting others on the journey of life as a coach, consultant, and workshop facilitator. She draws on an eclectic background as a professor, author, meditation teacher, potter, climber, roving naturalist, and art nerd. Bree received her BA from Brown University and her PhD from UC Berkeley. Her new book, "AND: The Tiny Word That Can Radically Transform Your Life" offers a personal and universal approach to cultivating an ampersand life.Sign up for Bree's mailing list and find out about her workshops and coaching at breerose.com. Follow Bree on Amazon to see her books AND plus the Guided Companion Journal. ~Are you a high achiever, a leader, or an Ampersand looking for a sounding board? Jessica helps executives, leaders, and founders like you gain clarity and lead bravely. As your trusted advisor and growth partner, I work with you to make the invisible visible and develop an action plan to fulfill your goals. For nearly two decades, Jessica led marketing teams, launched products, and grew businesses at places like Apple, the San Francisco Opera, Smule, and Magoosh. As an Ampersand in many facets, she knows personally what it’s like to hold many roles simultaneously, to sit on the executive team, and to find fulfillment. With a BA in Music and a BS in Product Design from Stanford, coupled with an MBA from UC Berkeley and coach training from the Center for Executive Coaching, her unique mix of analytical & creative allows her to bring both depth and breadth of perspective into the coaching process.As a coach, Jessica works to champion you – the full, multifaceted you – so you can thrive.Visit ⁠jessicawan.com⁠ or BOOK AN INTRO CALL: ⁠https://calendly.com/jessicawancoaching/intro-call-coaching⁠CreditsProduced and Hosted by ⁠Jessica Wan⁠Co-produced, edited, sound design, and original music by ⁠Carlos Schmitt

Episode description: In our final episode of Season 3, Jessica speaks with Josh Willis, actor, improviser, filmmaker and occasional Elvis impersonator. Known to his friends and fans as Climate Elvis, he also has a secret identity: Josh is a climate scientist who studies global warming for NASA. He's the lead NASA scientist for the satellites that measure sea level rise from space. He worked on a project called Oceans Melting Greenland, or conveniently, OMG for short, where he led an airborne mission to Greenland to understand how the oceans were melting away Greenland’s ice from below. Josh studied physics and mathematics at the University of Houston and earned his PhD in Oceanography from the Scripps Institution of Oceanography. He's a graduate of the Conservatory Program of The Second City Training Center and teaches improv in the LA area at Turbine Arts Collective. Follow the OMG Nasa project on Instagram @omgnasa Find Climate Elvis at facebook.com/ClimateElvis Take an improv class with Josh at https://www.turbine-arts.org/ Find out more about Cazadero Performing Arts Family Camp at cazfamilycamp.org ~ This is our last episode of season 3, and what a season it's been! We started off with a conversation with Rich Lyons, Chancellor of UC Berkeley + Musician – all the way back in July, and have talked with an aspiring Olympian, several authors who straddle other worlds, and a meditation teacher who's created art with Björk. We're going to be taking a holiday break and will be back with new episodes in early 2025. Take this chance to catch up on episodes you might have missed, and if you want to give some extra love, leave a rating and review so more people can find out about this show. Have a beautiful, safe, and peaceful holiday season. ~ Are you a high achiever, a leader, or an Ampersand who's recently taken on more responsibility at work? From steering relationships at the C-level to piloting conversations with teams and peers, increasing visibility and opportunities in your field, integrating your creative endeavors, or connecting the dots in your personal life — as a parent, child, and partner — Jessica can help you traverse the unknown challenges and situations that arise as a leader. BOOK AN INTRO CALL: ⁠https://calendly.com/jessicawancoaching/intro-call-coaching⁠⁠ Follow Jessica on LinkedIn Credits Produced and Hosted by ⁠⁠Jessica Wan⁠⁠ Co-produced, edited, and sound design by ⁠⁠⁠⁠Carlos Schmitt⁠ Theme music by ⁠⁠Denys Kyshchuk⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠Stockaudios⁠⁠ from ⁠⁠Pixaba⁠y

This week, Jessica talks with Stephen Kohler, leadership coach & singer-songwriter. Stephen is the Founder & CEO of Audira, where he brings a passion for people along with 25 years of extensive business experience within organizations ranging from startups to Fortune 100 companies. At age 15, Stephen discovered the electric guitar, piano, and vocals, which ignited a lifelong passion for rock and pop music. In 2022, he released his debut album, Daydream. He earned an MBA from University of Chicago’s Booth School of Business, a BA in Philosophy from Northwestern, and is a certified Professional Coach. His passions include spending time with his wife, two children and two dogs. Find out more about Audira at audiralabs.com, and hear more of Stephen’s music at stephenkohlermusic.com. ~ Are you a high achiever, a leader, or an Ampersand who's recently taken on more responsibility at work? From steering relationships at the C-level to piloting conversations with teams and peers, increasing visibility and opportunities in your field, integrating your creative endeavors, or connecting the dots in your personal life — as a parent, child, and partner — Jessica can help you traverse the unknown challenges and situations that arise as a leader. BOOK AN INTRO CALL: ⁠https://calendly.com/jessicawancoaching/intro-call-coaching⁠⁠ Follow Jessica on LinkedIn Credits Produced and Hosted by ⁠⁠Jessica Wan⁠⁠ Co-produced, edited, and sound design by ⁠⁠⁠⁠Carlos Schmitt⁠ Theme music by ⁠⁠Denys Kyshchuk⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠Stockaudios⁠⁠ from ⁠⁠Pixaba⁠y⁠

This week, Jessica talks with Jason Park: trumpeter, arts administrator, & chef. Jason has spent over 20 years working as a chef while also performing and teaching the trumpet. If you are in the classical music scene in the Bay Area, you've probably worked with Jason or heard him play. He's currently the program administrator for the San Francisco Boys Chorus, Trumpeter for the San Francisco Playhouse, and a freelance stage manager and chef. Jason has had a variety of past job titles like Restaurant Manager, Bartender, Music Arranger, and many more. He also plays the Flute and French Horn. Follow Jason on Instagram @gojasonpark ~ Are you a high achiever, a leader, or an Ampersand who's recently taken on more responsibility at work? For high-achieving professionals, Jessica Wan’s executive coaching services stand out as a rare gem. She provides strategic guidance and practical solutions, a unique offering that not only propels her clients’ careers forward but also builds their capacity for significant leadership roles in their respective sectors. Her innovative coaching techniques and personalized approach set her apart from the rest. BOOK AN INTRO CALL: ⁠https://calendly.com/jessicawancoaching/intro-call-coaching⁠⁠ Follow Jessica on LinkedIn Credits Produced and Hosted by ⁠⁠Jessica Wan⁠⁠ Co-produced, edited, and sound design by ⁠⁠⁠⁠Carlos Schmitt⁠ Theme music by ⁠⁠Denys Kyshchuk⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠Stockaudios⁠⁠ from ⁠⁠Pixaba⁠y⁠ Music samples of Jason Park with Paradigm Brass: Matt Brooks, Marc Bolin, Hall Goff, Todd Martin, Doug Morton, Jason Levis

This week, Jessica talks with Vidya Srinivasan – Product Leader, Speaker, D&I advocate, and Singer. Vidya works as a Principal Product Manager on the Trust & Safety team for Facebook, Messenger, and Instagram. Prior to that, she worked at Microsoft. Vidya has filed 21 patents for her work so far. A passionate advocate for diversity and inclusion in tech, she has served as the General Chair of the Grace Hopper Conference — the world's largest gathering of women technologists. Vidya is a public speaker who has given 130 talks and counting, on a broad range of product, technical and career topics. She holds a degree in Indian classical music and performs regularly. As a speaker and singer, she does a mashup of music and tech on stage. Vidya is a mom of two young kids and an avid fitness fanatic. Learn more about Vidya at vidyasrinivasan.info. ~ Are you a high achiever, a leader, or an Ampersand who's recently taken on more responsibility at work? For high-achieving professionals, Jessica Wan’s executive coaching services stand out as a rare gem. She provides strategic guidance and practical solutions, a unique offering that not only propels her clients’ careers forward but also builds their capacity for significant leadership roles in their respective sectors. Her innovative coaching techniques and personalized approach set her apart from the rest. BOOK AN INTRO CALL: ⁠https://calendly.com/jessicawancoaching/intro-call-coaching⁠⁠ Follow Jessica on LinkedIn Credits Produced and Hosted by ⁠⁠Jessica Wan⁠⁠ Co-produced, edited, and sound design by ⁠⁠⁠⁠Carlos Schmitt⁠ Theme music by ⁠⁠Denys Kyshchuk⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠Stockaudios⁠⁠ from ⁠⁠Pixaba⁠y⁠

With the Summer Olympics top of mind, Jessica talked with Christina Klinepeter – business executive, mom, and former athlete on Team USA for Karate. She trained for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics after a childhood spent in competitive Karate and her first retirement from the sport. Christina shares her journey back to being an elite athlete, competing through a major injury and taking Bronze at the 2022 World Games, her mental fitness routines, and her life as a mom and a business executive. Through her vast and unique experiences, Christina awakens new thinking that unlocks and empowers what's possible. Her background as a designer, where she started her career, and as an elite athlete on Team USA have shaped her approach as a startup CEO and global executive who now helps companies build high performing teams. Christina leads with strategic problem-solving, agility, and a growth mindset in every arena. Find Christina at christinaklinepeter.com and follow her on Instagram @cklinepeter. ~ Are you a high achiever, a leader, or an Ampersand who's recently taken on more responsibility at work? For high-achieving professionals, Jessica Wan’s executive coaching services stand out as a rare gem. She provides strategic guidance and practical solutions, a unique offering that not only propels her clients’ careers forward but also builds their capacity for significant leadership roles in their respective sectors. Her innovative coaching techniques and personalized approach set her apart from the rest. BOOK AN INTRO CALL: ⁠https://calendly.com/jessicawancoaching/intro-call-coaching⁠⁠ Follow Jessica on LinkedIn Credits Produced and Hosted by ⁠⁠Jessica Wan⁠⁠ Co-produced, edited, and sound design by ⁠⁠⁠⁠Carlos Schmitt⁠ Theme music by ⁠⁠Denys Kyshchuk⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠Stockaudios⁠⁠ from ⁠⁠Pixaba⁠y⁠