Why We Keep Going: 5 Lessons from 50 Ampersands

After 50 conversations with Ampersands, host Jessica Wan sits down to answer one big question:

Why do we keep doing what we do?

It’s not easy to juggle multiple careers, identities, or passions. And yet, again and again, my guests shared the deeper forces that keep them moving forward. In this solo episode, I synthesize what I’ve learned from leaders, artists, entrepreneurs, and creators who make their mark in multiple fields.

Along the way, you’ll hear anecdotes from past guests like Rich Lyons (Chancellor of UC Berkeley & Musician), Christina Wallace (Storyteller & Entrepreneur), and Craig Perry (Recovery Advocate, Guitarist & Firefighter).

Whether you call yourself a multi-hyphenate, a slashie, or an Ampersand, this episode will help you reconnect with the deeper reasons behind why you keep going.

I want to hear from you! Here’s the prompt: What’s your Ampersand, and why do you keep going? Leave me a voicemail at theampersandmanifesto.com/voicemail or email me 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