Joel Zeff shares his journey from being a newspaper reporter to a successful keynote speaker and author. Joel describes his transformative experience with improv, which he discovered after moving to Dallas for a job as a newspaper reporter. Despite the challenges he faced when the newspaper closed, Joel explored stand-up comedy and eventually joined an improv troupe, which opened doors for him to merge his passion for improv with presentations at his corporate job. He emphasizes the importance of following one's passions and how improv has taught him valuable lessons in teamwork, leadership, and communication. Throughout the conversation, Joel highlights the significance of laughter in building connections and improving corporate culture. His insights provide a compelling story of how passion can transform into a fulfilling career.

Episode Highlights

· Joel found his passion for improv when he was invited on stage during a performance. It was a life-changing moment for him.
· Losing his newspaper job led Joel to explore comedy and improv, which eventually became his career path.
· Joel emphasizes the importance of not keeping work and passion separate, as opportunities like Texas Instruments requesting his improv skills for an executive retreat helped shape his career.
· He believes that making people laugh bonds and connects them, and even if his talks achieve only that, it's worthwhile.
· Joel stresses the importance of figuring out what you love and would do for free, as it can lead to unexpected career opportunities and fulfillment.

K.C. Eames shares her journey from playing indoor volleyball to discovering her passion for beach volleyball later in life. Raised in a household that encouraged trying various activities, K.C. began playing volleyball at 10 and progressed to playing in the Junior Olympics. Despite burning out from the intense schedule, she rediscovered her love for the sport through beach volleyball. K.C. emphasizes the parallels between athletic competition and professional growth, highlighting the importance of persisting through challenges. She also discusses the value of sharing personal interests to enhance workplace relationships, inspired by a memorable interaction early in her career with a Partner who valued her volleyball experience and sought out her advice for his daughter. Now in a leadership role, K.C. is committed to fostering an open workplace culture where individuals can freely share their diverse passions.

Episode Highlights

· K.C. emphasized the importance of trying out different activities and sports as a child, which helps in discovering what one truly loves.
· The discipline, resilience, and understanding of failure that comes with sports have parallels in professional growth and success.
· She experienced burnout from playing volleyball continuously, which teaches the lesson that being consumed by one activity can diminish the love for it.
· K.C. highlighted that sharing personal interests at work leads to stronger connections, breaking down hierarchy, and enhancing workplace culture.
· As a leader, demonstrating openness about one's own interests can cultivate an inclusive and open work environment, encouraging others to do the same.