The Ampersand Manifesto
On The Ampersand Manifesto, host Jessica Wan interviews people who have built thriving careers in two or more completely different worlds, from medicine & music to technology & art to science & poetry.
Through candid conversations, we explore what it takes to navigate multiple callings, find the connection points between them, and redefine success on our own terms. Together, we’re co-creating The Ampersand Manifesto – principles for leading a bold, multi-passionate life.
Recent Episodes
15
Oct. 14, 2026
Felipe Lannes Gonçalves: Finding Ruta through Merging Worlds
Jessica talks with Felipe Lannes Gonçalves, a Brazilian psychologist, entrepreneur, writer, and long-distance cyclist. He is the founder of Kaiora, a consultancy that helps businesses grow through culture and method, and has worked with professionals from over 200 organizations throughout Brazil and Europe. He is also an MBA professor, columnist, and the author of RUTA, a book that brings together poetry, photography, and travel, musing on reflections on what it means to live fully. Having cyc
14
Oct. 7, 2026
Laura Rowley: From Wall Street to a Debut Fiction Novel and Redesigning the Book Industry
Jessica talks with Laura Rowley, Author & Content Strategist. Laura is the author of seven non-fiction books and a new novel, The Glassmaker’s Secret. She is Head of Content for a Wall Street fintech firm with 4,000 professionals in 28 global offices. An award-winning journalist, she's held editorial and executive roles at CNN, People Inc., The Huffington Post and Yahoo!Finance, and founded her own content strategy firm. Laura's writing has been featured in The New York Times, Gannett, Parents
13
Sept. 30, 2026
Hugo Pérez: Sparked and the Art of Rebellious Leadership
Jessica talks with Hugo Pérez, an Emmy-winning storyteller, strategist, and founder of Local Boy Co., a creative consultancy and studio helping organizations find their message, sharpen it, and make it matter. A full-stack marketer with more than two decades of experience, he has led transformative work across advertising, higher education, startups, nonprofits, and brands—including Starbucks, Taco Bell, Allstate, MTV, Mars, AstraZeneca, and AT&T. Most recently, he served as CMO of a global plan
12
Sept. 23, 2026
Joy Khoo: Nurturing the Seeker through Coaching, Nature, and the Arts
Jessica talks with Joy Khoo, a Master Certified Coach with the International Coaching Federation. Since 2003, she has worked with leaders from all walks of life, helping them embrace their authentic selves and develop greater self-awareness in service of humanizing the workplace. Her coaching integrates nature, mindfulness, neuroscience, art, and embodied practices. A champion for women leaders, Joy serves as a Facilitator for Stanford University's Women in Management Group and has been a Foundi
11
Sept. 16, 2026
Amani Roberts: Remixing Career Identities Across the DJ Booth, the Page, and the Classroom
Jessica talks with Amani Roberts, international keynote speaker and global performer. He is a renowned DJ, entrepreneur, award-winning professor, and USA Today’s best-selling author of the books “The Quiet Storm” and “DJs Mean Business”. With over 30 years in hospitality and 17 years in the music industry, he’s worked with global brands like Marriott, 7-11, and Chartmetric while generating millions of dollars in revenue. A sought-after speaker and co-host of the podcast Adventures in Business,
10
Sept. 9, 2026
Shannon Nash: No Boxes, Just Verses – From the Boardroom to Broadway, Film, and Beyond
Shannon Nash is a global C-suite leader, attorney, Qualified Financial Expert, CPA and public Board Member with over 30 years of experience navigating the intersection of technology, finance, and governance. Outside of her board and operating work, Shannon is an award-winning documentary film producer, a Tony Award–nominated Broadway producer, and the host of the leadership podcast No Boxes: Just Verses. Shannon currently serves as Chief Operating and Financial Officer of Vibrant Planet, which
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