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What's Your "And"?

John Garrett’s research involves talking with professionals who realize that who you are is so much more than what you do. Accountants, consultants, lawyers, engineers, and other professionals everywhere are doing hobbies and passions after they leave the office. We discuss why these outside-of-work interests matter and how they've impacted their career.
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What's Your "And"?
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Now displaying: April, 2016
Apr 27, 2016

Ron clowns his way tobetter business relationships

 

When he isn’t writing a children’s book, grilling some deliciouspork chops or being a clown in Denver’s Distinguished ClownBrigade, Ron Seigneur is a highly regarded business valuationexpert. In this episode, we talk about how much accounting hasbecome a people-based business, so having hobbies and passionsoutside of work really helps develop those connections.

As Partner, he also looks for people with hobbies and passionsbecause these well-rounded individuals are probably also better atwriting and speaking to clients. Having all the technical knowledgewon’t get you far when you want to generate business.

Ron is a Partner with Seigneur Gustafson LLP in Denver, CO. Heis past chair of the AICPA Accredited in Business Valuationcommittee and NACVA’s Professional Standards Board. He is anadjunct professor at the University of Denver College of Law wherehe teaches leadership and management for law firms.

Ron holds a BA in Hotel Restaurant and Institutional Managementfrom Michigan State University and an MBA in Accounting andCorporate Policy from the University of Michigan.

 
 
 
 
 
   
Apr 21, 2016

Rick is a real court jester

 

Rick Roberts manages to keep a busy comedy schedule while also being a Partner in a law firm. He’s performed at Caroline’s Comedy Club in New York City as well as Mohegan Sun and several theaters in Connecticut. He regrets not starting sooner because it has been a huge complement to his law career.

In this episode, Rick says that all firms want to have intellectually stimulated staff so why not encourage that? He admits most professional jobs are all-consuming so it’s easy to get into a routine of passive entertainment, like going home and watching television, instead of actively pursuing a passion.

 

Rick is a partner at Nuzzo & Roberts, a 22 lawyer firm in Cheshire CT, focused on trial work defending people and companies who get sued.

He graduated from Binghamton University and SUNY Buffalo Law School and is now listed in Connecticut and New England Super Lawyers.

John talks with

Rick Roberts

 

 
 
 
 

 

Other pictures of Rick

(click to enlarge)

 

Rick on stage at a show in Connecticut.

 

Rick acting out one of his jokes.

 

Getting some big laughs at a theater.

 

Rick’s links

Apr 13, 2016

Megan barbecues up some great coworker relationships

In 2010, Megan Varani and her husband Brian began participating in BBQ competitions in several different states. Just six short years later, they opened Mookie’s BBQ Restaurant and also have a catering business in Northern Virginia.

All of this was made possible thanks to EY leadership giving her the flexibility to get the work done with taking many Fridays off to travel to competitions. She talks about how her sharing provided another connection point with clients and coworkers. And by her sharing more about the BBQ competitions and restaurant, it encouraged others to also open up about their passions.

Megan is an Executive Director with EY in the DC Metro office, focusing on Assurance Financial Services clients. She’s spent the last 14 years with EY. Prior to that, she was an Audit Staff with Arthur Andersen prior to being merged into EY.

Megan graduated from Marietta College with a BA in Accounting and a minor in Leadership Studies.

Apr 6, 2016

Misty makes the workplace her stage

 

When she was growing up, Misty was so shy she used to hide behind her parents in family pictures. That all changed after taking an acting class. Now she regularly acts and directs theater shows while also working in business development in the accounting industry. Thank goodness we didn’t arm wrestle because CPA Practice Advisor named Misty as one of the Most Powerful Women in Accounting.

In this episode, we laugh. A lot. And then Misty talks about how when she began to open up at work, she stopped “acting” and became herself. And how something as simple her team’s daily 10-minute walks creates lasting connections.

 

Misty is the VP of Business Development at CPA Academy, where she continues to follow her great passion for helping companies and sole proprietors grow to their fullest potential. She also spends time as the co-founder of The Theater of Marketing, a creative marketing business.

Misty has a Bachelor of Arts degree from California State University-East Bay.

John talks with

Misty Megia

 

 
 
 
 

 

Other pictures of Misty

(click to enlarge)

 

Misty, the Director, poses after opening night.

 

Misty poses with Mathew Wiener, Tony Hawk, and Trevor Noah.

 

Misty performing in “All Shook Up”.

 

Misty’s links

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