Practices for a Sustainable Ampersand Life
After 50 conversations with Ampersands, we’re putting together the Manifesto.
This week, we dive into practices that help you sustain your work over the long-term, taking into account multiple careers, many interests, and a focus on your life, not just your work.
Listen on for more about the practices and anecdotes from guests on the show, including Emily J Smith (Novelist & Product Leader), David Riemer (Startup Storyteller & Theatre Producer), Liron Lavi Turkenich (Typeface Designer & Founder of Aravrit), Craig Perry (Recovery Advocate, Firefighter, & Guitarist), and Sara Wampler (Tech Executive & Romance Writer).
The key practices:
Lean into what works for you
Dial up, dial down
Progress, not perfection
Don't compare
Follow the breadcrumbs
We want to hear from you!
Leave us a voicemail at theampersandmanifesto.com/voicemail or email us at j@jessicawan.com.
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Come hear Jessica sing, live in Berkeley on Sunday October 5th, 2025 at 4pm. RSVP here
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Join us for The Ampersand Summit live event in San Francisco on Sunday, October 19th, 2025 from 3-6:30pm at the SF Community Music Center: Register here
This in-person event will bring together people who straddle multiple worlds to meet each other, share what we're working on, and talk openly about what it's like to lead a multi-passionate life.
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Are you a high achiever, a leader, or an Ampersand looking for a sounding board? Jessica helps executives, leaders, and founders like you gain clarity and lead bravely. As your trusted advisor and growth partner, she works with you to make the invisible visible and develop an action plan to fulfill your goals.
For nearly two decades, Jessica led marketing teams, launched products, and grew businesses at places like Apple, the San Francisco Opera, Smule, and Magoosh. As an Ampersand in many facets, she knows personally what it’s like to hold many roles simultaneously, to sit on the executive team, and to find fulfillment. With a BA in Music and a BS in Product Design from Stanford, coupled with an MBA from UC Berkeley and coach training from the Center for Executive Coaching, her unique mix of analytical & creative allows her to bring both depth and breadth of perspective into the coaching process.
As a coach, Jessica works to champion you – the full, multifaceted you – so you can thrive.
Visit jessicawan.com or BOOK AN INTRO CALL: https://calendly.com/jessicawancoaching/intro-call-coaching
Credits
Produced and Hosted by Jessica Wan
Co-produced, edited, sound design, and original music by Carlos Schmitt
Want to support this show in a small way? Rate and review it at theampersandmanifesto.com, or buy me a coffee: coff.ee/jessicawan
