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
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
9
June 10, 2026
Chris Lele: Collecting Difficult Skills Across AI, Music Composition, and Big Words
Jessica talks with Chris Lele, an AI educator, learning strategist, writer, musician, and lifelong collector of difficult skills. He spent 20 years in test prep, creating thousands of SAT, GRE, and GMAT questions, publishing a bestselling vocabulary book, and reaching millions of students through YouTube. Today, he teaches professionals how to use generative AI without losing their originality, judgment, or voice. Chris is also a classical pianist, composer, Toastmasters speech competitor, fi
8
June 3, 2026
Leigh Marz: The Power of Silence on the Page, the Dance Floor, and Across Sectors
Jessica talks with Leigh Marz, Author, Collaboration Consultant, and Rhythm & Motion Dance Instructor and Choreographer. She and Justin Zorn co-authored the book Golden: The Power of Silence in a World of Noise, published by HarperCollins and translated into 15 languages worldwide. Leigh's favorite way to find internal silence is on the thumping dance floor! She's a choreographer and dance instructor with Rhythm & Motion, a high-energy dance workout program that cultivates a welcoming, acceptin
7
May 27, 2026
Talia Sherman: Bridging Disciplines, Global Podcasting, and the Future of the Multi-Hyphenate
Jessica talks with Talia Sherman, student & podcast creator and host. Talia Sherman is a current senior at Brown University studying Linguistics and English with honors. She is an undergraduate fellow at the Cogut Institute for the Humanities. In the spring of her senior year of high school, she founded Tomayto Tomahto, an interview based podcast on language. Streamed in over 90 countries and showcasing the voices of professors from many different universities, Tomayto Tomahto digs into interdi
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