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.

Dave Olsen, founder and CEO of Nimbl, shares how his passion for mountain biking has played a transformative role in his happiness, resilience, and approach to work. Dave began biking as a practical means of commuting during his time at BYU, but it quickly developed into a favorite release and source of therapy, helping him ground himself and train for life’s challenges. He recounts memorable biking adventures, including completing the 200-mile LoToJa race and conquering the 100-mile White Rim Trail in a single day, which gave him proof that difficult goals are achievable with determination and the right mindset. Dave explains how the mental and physical endurance he builds on the trail directly translates to his ability to handle business and personal challenges with greater confidence. At Nimbl, he intentionally fosters a culture that values the whole person, encouraging employees to pursue their own “And” outside of work and to integrate personal goals into their professional journeys. Dave emphasizes the importance of being open about hobbies and interests, noting that it not only enriches life but also helps him and his team show up as better leaders, teammates, and humans.

Episode Highlights

· Dave shared that mountain biking is not just a hobby, but a crucial source of happiness, energy, and personal grounding for him, acting as a form of release and therapy. · He emphasized that investing time in mountain biking (or any passion) actually makes him a better leader, employee, husband, and father, as he returns to work and life “lit up,” refreshed, and more effective.· At his company, Nimbl, Dave intentionally integrates space for employees’ personal goals and passions, aligning individual fulfillment with business needs and making it a key part of their people experience. · Dave talked about how the perseverance, mental toughness, and training discipline developed through biking directly help him handle stressful or challenging moments at work and in life. · He encourages sharing “Ands” at work and believes companies are more successful and people are happier when everyone is seen as a whole, multidimensional person, not just for their job titles or roles.

Chris Alder, an executive coach and Zen priest, shares his fascinating journey from working as a chef at ski resorts around the world to finding his calling in spirituality and coaching. He recounts the experiences that shaped his passion for meditation, including a life-changing retreat in India and his ongoing exploration of traditions from different cultures. Chris talks about integrating his Zen background into his coaching practice, learning to embrace it more as his unique brand, and how it attracts clients seeking deeper transformation. He also reflects on the importance of owning one’s unique “And," those passions outside of work that truly light us up. Chris encourages listeners to lead with what makes them come alive and to be unashamedly themselves, as it’s our authentic interests that create genuine connections both personally and professionally.

Episode Highlights

· Chris shares how stepping fully into his identity as a Zen priest and weaving his spirituality into his coaching has helped him stand out and attract the right clients. · He emphasizes that our hobbies and passions (“Ands”) are our true differentiators and bring light and energy into our lives, workplaces, and relationships. · Chris encourages people to own their unique interests and passions without shame or fear, highlighting that it’s how you talk about what you love, not what the interest is, that draws people in. · His story evolves from adventuring in the physical world (like snowboarding across European borders) to exploring the inner world through meditation and spiritual practice, showing that adventure can be both outward and inward.

Ben Curtis, president and co-founder of Good Measure, shares how a genuine interest in connecting with others has been a driving force in both his personal life and career. Ben discusses how his passion for building meaningful relationships has grown stronger over time and how it shapes the culture at Good Measure. He emphasizes the importance of integrating human connection into the workplace, even in fields like accounting that may not be known for it. Ben believes everyone thrives when they bring their whole selves to work and encourages fostering communities around shared values and authentic interactions. He shares how Good Measure intentionally seeks out team members who value deep relationships, and how spreading joy is a central core value at the firm. Ultimately, Ben encourages listeners to lean into their unique interests and connections, believing that these are what make work—and life—truly meaningful.

Episode Highlights

· Ben emphasizes that building real relationships and understanding others is a core part of who he is and what brings him joy, both in life and at work. · He believes that people can achieve more together, and that genuine community is essential for experiencing the best that life and work have to offer. · At Good Measure, Ben is intentional about ensuring that technology and systems (like AI) are always in service of building real relationships—with clients and team members. · Ben is explicit about Good Measure’s core values, such as “spreading joy,” and seeks team members and clients who align with this relational, people-centric approach. · Whether you’re in a leadership role or not, Ben encourages individuals to bring genuine human connection into their sphere of influence at work, believing it will lead to more joy and meaning for everyone.