Wendy Walker, VP of Regulatory Affairs at Sovos, shares her passion for quilting and running. Wendy reveals how she began quilting eight years ago to connect with her mom, utilizing pictures and video calls to collaborate from different states. She discusses the therapeutic and creative aspects of quilting, highlighting its significance as a stress reliever and a source of personal fulfillment.

Wendy also touches on her initial reluctance about sharing her quilting hobby with colleagues, and how embracing it helped display her multifaceted personality beyond her professional role. She encourages listeners to pursue hobbies for personal satisfaction and to integrate these interests into their work life for a balanced and enriched experience.

Lastly, Wendy talks about how personal interests can positively impact professional relationships and corporate culture by fostering creativity and open-mindedness.

Episode Highlights

· Revealing personal hobbies and interests helps positively impact professional relationships and dispel stereotypes.

· Personal items like quilts can spark conversations with colleagues, fostering connections.

· Individuals should pursue personal interests for their own joy and not be deterred by fear of judgment.

· Balancing personal hobbies with professional life enriches interactions, relieves stress, and enhances overall creativity and job satisfaction.

John Tyreman shares how something simple like having his drum set in the background during a work video call with a client sparked a deeper connection and conversation. He emphasizes the importance of sharing personal interests to build meaningful relationships at work. John recalls inheriting his mom's Pearl Export drum set and how jamming with a neighbor ignited his passion for drumming. He discusses his journey from playing in various rock bands in high school and his twenties, taking a break due to parenting, and eventually returning to drumming. John also highlights how his musical background influences his career in marketing and podcasting.

Episode Highlights

· Sharing personal interests like hobbies can build deeper connections in professional settings.

· Creating a space for employees to share their "and" can enhance team connections and work productivity.

· The significance of perseverance with a humorous story from his early drumming days.

· Balancing personal passions with parenting responsibilities is crucial for maintaining fulfillment.

· The natural connection between personal passions (like drumming) and professional skills (such as marketing and podcasting).