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.

Claire Dowdall, Director of Brand at Exactly What to Say, shares her unexpected journey into the world of powerlifting, a passion she only discovered a year ago. She explains how she overcame setbacks, including failing her initial competition, to eventually win first place in her category at the British Showdown Championships. Claire reflects on the valuable lessons powerlifting has taught her about mindset, resilience, and progressive growth, and how these principles translate directly into her professional life. She emphasizes the importance of having pursuits outside of work and how these interests can positively impact creativity, problem-solving, and workplace wellbeing. Claire encourages leaders to actively learn about their team's outside-of-work passions, noting the positive ripple effects that can result. Her story exemplifies the power of a personal "And" and how sharing it can inspire others to find and embrace their own unique interests.

Episode Highlights

· The discipline, mindset, and lessons learned from powerlifting—like progressive overload, embracing failure to find your limits, and gradually improving—translate directly to achieving success and resilience in the workplace.
· Claire believes having an interest outside of work makes life richer and more balanced. Personal pursuits create a positive ripple effect in both professional and personal spheres.
· She emphasizes that sharing your interests with colleagues can inspire others and bring fresh energy and creativity to the workplace. She also urges employers to actively ask about and embrace employees’ outside interests.
· Claire highlights the crucial role that mindset plays in both sports and professional life. Building confidence, developing an “alter ego” for challenging situations, and being present in the moment elevate performance and wellbeing.