What's Your "And"‪?‬ John Garrett

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.

Rory Henry, director at Arrowroot Family Office and host of the AFO Wealth Management Forward podcast, shares how he's seen the What's Your "And"? message resonate with so many people in a short amount of time. He emphasizes the importance of saying "Yes, and" to opportunities, which can lead to serendipitous moments in life. Rory also touches on his passion for sports, recounting memorable experiences at football and basketball games. He discusses using improv comedy to overcome the fear of public speaking and how its principles can be applied in the workplace. In addition, Rory highlights the importance of organizations creating spaces for individuals to explore and share their passions, which can enhance overall well-being.
Episode Highlights
· He emphasizes the importance of saying “Yes, and” to opportunities as a way to lead to serendipitous moments and open doors for progress in life.
· Rory talks about the connection and sense of community that sports can bring, highlighting the emotional rollercoaster and joy of attending live sports events.
· He shares his experiences of using improv comedy to overcome fear of public speaking and its successful application in settings like wealth management conferences.
· Rory underscores the significance of integrating passions and interests in the workplace to enhance overall well-being and unlock the human element within organizations.

Wealth Management Director and Author Lindsey Kane Leaverton joins host John Garrett to discuss the intersection of her financial expertise and her passion for creativity. Lindsey shares insights from her book "Not Another Self-Help Book," reflecting on the role of songwriting and writing in her personal healing journey. She delves into the unexpected positive impact her book has had on her clients, revealing the importance of authenticity in professional and personal spheres. Lindsey's love for Life cereal, dark chocolate-dipped waffle cones, and an out-of-tune green piano is also on full display. Through her candid conversation, she illustrates the enriching power of embracing one's creative side. The episode showcases Lindsey as a prime example of living the "What's Your 'And'?" philosophy, blending professional drive with personal passions.