The Ampersand Manifesto: Make Your Mark in Multiple Fields

Jessica Wan, Executive Coach and Classical Singer
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What happens when you refuse to choose just one path? On The Ampersand Manifesto, host Jessica Wan sits down with “the most interesting people at the dinner party” – those who have built thriving careers in two or more completely different worlds, from medicine & dance to technology & art. 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 – a guide to leading a bold, multi-passionate life.

  1. Jun 10

    Chris Lele: Collecting Difficult Skills Across AI, Music Composition, and Big Words

    Jessica talks with Chris Lele, an AI educator, learning strategist, writer, musician, and lifelong collector of difficult skills.  He spent 20 years in test prep, creating thousands of SAT, GRE, and GMAT questions, publishing a bestselling vocabulary book, and reaching millions of students through YouTube.  Today, he teaches professionals how to use generative AI without losing their originality, judgment, or voice.  Chris is also a classical pianist, composer, Toastmasters speech competitor, fitness enthusiast, and occasional restaurant and bar performer.  Whether teaching AI, playing Chopin, writing speeches, or explaining a brutal math problem, Chris is drawn to the art of making complexity come alive. Follow Chris: IG: @chris_on_the_keys YouTube: Ab-peggios Spotify: The Tide Beneath Apple Music: The Tide Beneath ~ About The Ampersand Manifesto: What happens when you refuse to choose just one path?  On The Ampersand Manifesto, host Jessica Wan 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. ~ About your host, Jessica Wan: Executive Coach | Classical Singer | Former Marketing Leader & Tech Executive Jessica 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 Call Join The Cohort: An Ampersand Community for Dual-Career Professionals Follow the Journey: @ampersandmanifesto Connect: Jessica’s LinkedIn Listen: Singing Excerpts ~ Credits Co-produced and hosted by ⁠Jessica Wan⁠ Co-produced, edited, sound design, and original music by ⁠Carlos Schmitt

    31 min

  2. Jun 3

    Leigh Marz: The Power of Silence on the Page, the Dance Floor, and Across Sectors

    Jessica talks with Leigh Marz, Author, Collaboration Consultant, and Rhythm & Motion Dance Instructor and Choreographer. She and Justin Zorn co-authored the book Golden: The Power of Silence in a World of Noise, published by HarperCollins and translated into 15 languages worldwide. Leigh's favorite way to find internal silence is on the thumping dance floor! She's a choreographer and dance instructor with Rhythm & Motion, a high-energy dance workout program that cultivates a welcoming, accepting atmosphere for all people regardless of age, ability or background. Leigh's third Ampersand is as a collaboration consultant. She's led diverse initiatives, including a training program to promote an experimental mindset among multi-generational teams at NASA. She’s also facilitated a decade-long cross-sector collaboration to reduce toxic chemicals in partnership with the Green Science Policy Institute, Harvard University, Kaiser Permanente, and many others. Follow Leigh at: https://leighmarz.com/https://www.rhythmandmotion.com/https://astreastrategies.com/ Learn more about Jarvis Jay Masters at https://www.freejarvis.org/ ~ About The Ampersand Manifesto: What happens when you refuse to choose just one path?  On The Ampersand Manifesto, host Jessica Wan 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. ~ About your host, Jessica Wan: Executive Coach | Classical Singer | Former Marketing Leader & Tech Executive Jessica 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 Call Join The Cohort: An Ampersand Community for Dual-Career Professionals Follow the Journey: @ampersandmanifesto Connect: Jessica’s LinkedIn Listen: Singing Excerpts ~ Credits Co-produced and hosted by ⁠Jessica Wan⁠ Co-produced, edited, sound design, and original music by ⁠Carlos Schmitt

    33 min

  3. May 27

    Talia Sherman: Bridging Disciplines, Global Podcasting, and the Future of the Multi-Hyphenate

    Jessica talks with Talia Sherman, recent grad & podcast creator and host. Talia Sherman just graduated from Brown University (congrats!), where she studied Linguistics and English with honors. She was an undergraduate fellow at the Cogut Institute for the Humanities. In the spring of her senior year of high school, she founded Tomayto Tomahto, an interview based podcast on language. Streamed in over 90 countries and showcasing the voices of professors from many different universities, Tomayto Tomahto digs into interdisciplinary research, cutting-edge theoretical questions, and sometimes linguistics journalism. Notable guests include Steven Pinker, Emily M. Bender, Jonathan Rosa, and John DeNero. When not podcasting, reading literary theory, or doing economics research, Talia can be found backpacking or training Brown students to lead backpacking trips. Tomayto Tomahto: https://creators.spotify.com/pod/profile/talia-sherman  Talia’s website: https://www.taliasherman.com/ ~ About The Ampersand Manifesto: What happens when you refuse to choose just one path?  On The Ampersand Manifesto, host Jessica Wan 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. ~ About your host, Jessica Wan: Executive Coach | Classical Singer | Former Marketing Leader & Tech Executive Jessica 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 Call Join The Cohort: An Ampersand Community for Dual-Career Professionals Follow the Journey: @ampersandmanifesto Connect: Jessica’s LinkedIn Listen: Singing Excerpts ~ Credits Co-produced and hosted by ⁠Jessica Wan⁠ Co-produced, edited, sound design, and original music by ⁠Carlos Schmitt

    26 min

  4. May 20

    Karin K. Jensen: The Strength of Water, Dance, and AAPI Advocacy

    Jessica talks with Karin K. Jensen, writer, journalist, dancer, & dance instructor. Karin K. Jensen is a local news writer for the Alameda Post, where she covers local government and book reviews, and is the author of The Strength of Water, an Asian American Coming-of-Age Memoir, which received a coveted starred review from Kirkus and appeared on the annual Kirkus List of Top 100 Indie Books. It also won awards from The BookFest, International Book Awards, and the San Francisco Book Festival in 2024. She has written for AsAm News and NewsBreak, winning NewsBreak editorial awards on the topics of #StopAsianHate and #AAPI Voices. For her work, Authority Magazine named her a Social Impact Author. Karin makes her home in sunny Alameda, California, where she also enjoys teaching at the Alameda Ballet Academy and performing historical dances with the Period Events and Entertainments Recreation Society (PEERS). Follow Karin’s work at Karinkjensen.blog and on Instagram @karinkjensen ~ About The Ampersand Manifesto: What happens when you refuse to choose just one path?  On The Ampersand Manifesto, host Jessica Wan 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. ~ About your host, Jessica Wan: Executive Coach | Classical Singer | Former Marketing Leader & Tech Executive Jessica 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 Call Join The Cohort: An Ampersand Community for Dual-Career Professionals Follow the Journey: @ampersandmanifesto Connect: Jessica’s LinkedIn Listen: Singing Excerpts ~ Credits Co-produced and hosted by ⁠Jessica Wan⁠ Co-produced, edited, sound design, and original music by ⁠Carlos Schmitt

    30 min

  5. May 13

    Tony Martignetti: Illuminating Hidden Brilliance through Leadership, Glassblowing, and Poetry

    Jessica talks with Tony Martignetti, Leadership Advisor, Artist, & Creative Guide. Tony Martignetti is a leadership advisor who helps leaders navigate complexity without losing themselves. With over 30 years across high-tech and life sciences, he has worked where innovation, pressure, and uncertainty collide. His defining insight: brilliance doesn’t disappear in organizations; it goes dormant when people are asked to fragment themselves to perform. Through Inspired Purpose Partners, Tony designs experiences that integrate purpose, presence, creativity, and connection to drive meaningful impact. He is the author of Climbing the Right Mountain and Campfire Lessons for Leaders, host of The Virtual Campfire Podcast, and a keynote speaker known for creating “campfire” spaces for honest, expansive dialogue. Follow Tony and his work at: https://tonymspeaks.com/  https://linktr.ee/inspiredcoach  https://www.ipurposepartners.com/  https://www.linkedin.com/in/tonymartignett1/  ~ About The Ampersand Manifesto: What happens when you refuse to choose just one path?  On The Ampersand Manifesto, host Jessica Wan 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. ~ About your host, Jessica Wan: Executive Coach | Classical Singer | Former Marketing Leader & Tech Executive Jessica 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 Call Join The Cohort: An Ampersand Community for Dual-Career Professionals Follow the Journey: @ampersandmanifesto Connect: Jessica’s LinkedIn Listen: Singing Excerpts ~ Credits Co-produced and hosted by ⁠Jessica Wan⁠ Co-produced, edited, sound design, and original music by ⁠Carlos Schmitt

    29 min

  6. May 6

    Nicole Takesono Flowers: Leading with Empathy from the Opera Stage to Higher Ed

    Jessica talks with Nicole Takesono Flowers, Opera Singer & Higher Ed Administrator. Originally from Hawaii, Nicole has garnered acclaim for her rich, warm mezzo-soprano voice and profound dedication to storytelling. She has graced the stages of esteemed companies such as the San Francisco Opera, Opera San Jose, West Edge Opera, Festival Opera, and West Bay Opera. Recently, she has shifted her focus to recital work, collaborating closely with guitarist Sharon Wayne. For over 20 years, she has served as an administrator at UCSF, where she is currently the Program Manager for the Biophysics Grad program. In 2022 she was awarded the Chancellor's Award for Exceptional University Service at UCSF.  Follow Nicole on Instagram to hear about her upcoming recitals. ~ About The Ampersand Manifesto: What happens when you refuse to choose just one path?  On The Ampersand Manifesto, host Jessica Wan 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. ~ About your host, Jessica Wan: Executive Coach | Classical Singer | Former Marketing Leader & Tech Executive Jessica 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 Call Join The Cohort: An Ampersand Community for Dual-Career Professionals Follow the Journey: @ampersandmanifesto Connect: Jessica’s LinkedIn Listen: Singing Excerpts ~ Credits Co-produced and hosted by ⁠Jessica Wan⁠ Co-produced, edited, sound design, and original music by ⁠Carlos Schmitt

    28 min

  7. Apr 29

    Christof Zürn: Using Music Thinking to Orchestrate Innovation

    Jessica talks with Christof Zürn: Strategy Facilitator, Music Thinker, and Improviser. Christof uses the dynamics of music to help leaders orchestrate innovation and turn complexity into clarity. A joiner by trade with an MA in Musicology, he combines the precision of craftsmanship with the fluidity of strategic thinking to unlock momentum in teams.  In the 90s, he pioneered digital music interaction, interviewing legends like Daniel Barenboim and B.B. King. Today, he channels that diverse experience into guiding leadership programs and workshops for global clients. Alongside his consulting practice, he lectures in Creative Business at Utrecht University of Applied Sciences, and he performs with the improvising collective Raum-Musik für Saxophone, as well as with other ensembles.  He is the author of the book The Power of Music Thinking and host of the podcast of the same name. Find Christof’s work at musicthinking.com. ~ About The Ampersand Manifesto: What happens when you refuse to choose just one path?  On The Ampersand Manifesto, host Jessica Wan 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. ~ About your host, Jessica Wan: Executive Coach | Classical Singer | Former Marketing Leader & Tech Executive Jessica 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 Call Join The Cohort: An Ampersand Community for Dual-Career Professionals Follow the Journey: @ampersandmanifesto Connect: Jessica’s LinkedIn Listen: Singing Excerpts ~ Credits Co-produced and hosted by ⁠Jessica Wan⁠ Co-produced, edited, sound design, and original music by ⁠Carlos Schmitt

    32 min

  8. Apr 22

    Ashley Albert: How ADHD and "Saying Yes" created The Matzo Project, Shuffleboard Clubs, and a Kindie Rock Band

    Jessica talks (and laughs a lot) with Ashley Albert, Founder, Public Speaker & Idea Man. Ashley Albert is grateful that being a Polymath requires no math.  As co-founder of The Matzo Project, she’s the creative voice behind the artisanal cracker brand, which can be found in the fanciest restaurants, hotels and specialty stores around the world. As the founder of The Royal Palms Shuffleboard Club in Brooklyn and Chicago, she’s introduced hundreds of thousands to the majestic, century-old game (and she was ranked 10th best female player in the world). As a 25-year veteran of the New York City voice-over industry, she’s starred in countless commercials, video games and cartoons for clients like McDonald’s, Nutella, Coca-Cola and Nickelodeon. As the lead singer, songwriter and producer of the kindie rock band, The Jimmies, she’s performed for throngs of screaming first graders at festivals like Lollapalooza and Austin City Limits. Known in the Bay Area where friends call her “Bertie”, she spends her free time buying domain names, taking too many pictures of her dog, dreaming up badge ideas for her new Adult Scouting project and threatening to confiscate her teenager’s phone on the hour. Find out what Bertie’s up to at AshleyAlbert.com. ~ About The Ampersand Manifesto: What happens when you refuse to choose just one path?  On The Ampersand Manifesto, host Jessica Wan 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. ~ About your host, Jessica Wan: Executive Coach | Classical Singer | Former Marketing Leader & Tech Executive Jessica 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 Call Join The Cohort: An Ampersand Community for Dual-Career Professionals Follow the Journey: @ampersandmanifesto Connect: Jessica’s LinkedIn Listen: Singing Excerpts ~ Credits Co-produced and hosted by ⁠Jessica Wan⁠ Co-produced, edited, sound design, and original music by ⁠Carlos Schmitt

    34 min
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What happens when you refuse to choose just one path? On The Ampersand Manifesto, host Jessica Wan sits down with “the most interesting people at the dinner party” – those who have built thriving careers in two or more completely different worlds, from medicine & dance to technology & art. 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 – a guide to leading a bold, multi-passionate life.

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