Neeraj Nagarkatti shares his journey from co-authoring a joke book with his brother as a child to performing multilingual comedy around the world. He discusses performing stand-up in up to six languages conversationally, including a memorable Mandarin set in London while dressed as Freddy Krueger. Neeraj talks about the challenge and creativity involved in telling jokes across different cultures and languages, likening it to learning a song in a foreign tongue. He talks about the importance of having passions outside of work, how his comedy has opened up new conversations with colleagues, and the joy of connecting multiple interests. Neeraj encourages listeners to find their own "And," suggesting that sharing personal interests at work can foster deeper connections.

Episode Highlights

· Neeraj performs stand-up comedy in multiple languages, using his skills in up to six languages conversationally and several others at a basic level, which adds a distinctive layer to his personal and professional life.
· Initially hesitant, Neeraj began sharing his comedy journey with colleagues as he became more confident, which opened up more conversations and connections at work.
· Neeraj emphasizes that having interests and passions outside of your primary profession is essential—it brings creativity, breaks the monotony, and adds depth to your identity.
· He suggests starting interest-based clubs or groups at work—like language exchanges or baking clubs—because you’d be surprised how many colleagues share your passions or are curious about them.
· Whether in comedy, tax consulting, or learning languages, Neeraj finds that creativity thrives when you allow various aspects of your personality and interests to intersect, making both work and life more enriching.

Jen Hamilton shares her journey into Jiu Jitsu, inspired by her son, despite initially knowing nothing about martial arts. She reflects on the challenges and personal growth she’s experienced through seven and a half years of practice, emphasizing that perseverance and doing hard things on the mat translate to greater resilience and determination in her work as a Fractional COO. Jen highlights the value of being a beginner, the importance of community support, and how embracing failure has made her a stronger leader. She also talks about how her “And” makes her a more empathetic and well-rounded person. Jen encourages listeners to follow their interests, even if they have nothing to do with their job, as those passions help shape a richer, more empowered sense of self. Ultimately, she believes that continually challenging oneself in new ways is key to growth both personally and professionally.

Episode Highlights

· Jen started jiu jitsu not because she was naturally athletic, but because she wanted to support her son and later challenged herself. She found it difficult but rewarding, showing the value of pushing through discomfort and not giving up.
· Her dedication to jiu jitsu, despite not being naturally gifted at it, reinforced her ability to tackle hard things at work. It gave her the confidence to handle professional challenges, knowing she’s capable of perseverance outside her comfort zone.
· Jen emphasizes how practicing jiu jitsu with a supportive group has been crucial, highlighting the value of learning from and being encouraged by others, both on and off the mat.
· She openly discusses her struggles and the slower pace of her progress, noting that consistently showing up and persisting, even when success is hard-won, is more important than immediate wins.
· Jen points out that fully embracing who you are—including your non-work passions—makes you a stronger, more empathetic leader. It deepens your humanity, ability to relate to others, and brings out strengths like determination and consistency.