What's Your "And"? Podcast

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.

Neeraj Nagarkatti shares his journey from co-authoring a joke book with his brother as a child to performing multilingual comedy around the world. He discusses performing stand-up in up to six languages conversationally, including a memorable Mandarin set in London while dressed as Freddy Krueger. Neeraj talks about the challenge and creativity involved in telling jokes across different cultures and languages, likening it to learning a song in a foreign tongue. He talks about the importance of having passions outside of work, how his comedy has opened up new conversations with colleagues, and the joy of connecting multiple interests. Neeraj encourages listeners to find their own "And," suggesting that sharing personal interests at work can foster deeper connections.

Episode Highlights

· Neeraj performs stand-up comedy in multiple languages, using his skills in up to six languages conversationally and several others at a basic level, which adds a distinctive layer to his personal and professional life.
· Initially hesitant, Neeraj began sharing his comedy journey with colleagues as he became more confident, which opened up more conversations and connections at work.
· Neeraj emphasizes that having interests and passions outside of your primary profession is essential—it brings creativity, breaks the monotony, and adds depth to your identity.
· He suggests starting interest-based clubs or groups at work—like language exchanges or baking clubs—because you’d be surprised how many colleagues share your passions or are curious about them.
· Whether in comedy, tax consulting, or learning languages, Neeraj finds that creativity thrives when you allow various aspects of your personality and interests to intersect, making both work and life more enriching.

Jen Hamilton shares her journey into Jiu Jitsu, inspired by her son, despite initially knowing nothing about martial arts. She reflects on the challenges and personal growth she’s experienced through seven and a half years of practice, emphasizing that perseverance and doing hard things on the mat translate to greater resilience and determination in her work as a Fractional COO. Jen highlights the value of being a beginner, the importance of community support, and how embracing failure has made her a stronger leader. She also talks about how her “And” makes her a more empathetic and well-rounded person. Jen encourages listeners to follow their interests, even if they have nothing to do with their job, as those passions help shape a richer, more empowered sense of self. Ultimately, she believes that continually challenging oneself in new ways is key to growth both personally and professionally.

Episode Highlights

· Jen started jiu jitsu not because she was naturally athletic, but because she wanted to support her son and later challenged herself. She found it difficult but rewarding, showing the value of pushing through discomfort and not giving up.
· Her dedication to jiu jitsu, despite not being naturally gifted at it, reinforced her ability to tackle hard things at work. It gave her the confidence to handle professional challenges, knowing she’s capable of perseverance outside her comfort zone.
· Jen emphasizes how practicing jiu jitsu with a supportive group has been crucial, highlighting the value of learning from and being encouraged by others, both on and off the mat.
· She openly discusses her struggles and the slower pace of her progress, noting that consistently showing up and persisting, even when success is hard-won, is more important than immediate wins.
· Jen points out that fully embracing who you are—including your non-work passions—makes you a stronger, more empathetic leader. It deepens your humanity, ability to relate to others, and brings out strengths like determination and consistency.

Matt Haney, a fractional COO with Sinclair Ventures, shares how his passions for golf, travel, and fishing have shaped both his personal and professional life. As a lifelong golfer, Matt describes the sport as more than competition, focusing on the value of relationships and time spent in nature. He highlights the transformative power of golf trips with friends, like his curated adventures to Bandon Dunes, and the deep connections formed through shared experiences. Matt talks about inheriting the “travel bug” from his wife's family, crediting his grandfather-in-law’s adventurous spirit and prioritization of experiences over things. Fly fishing, especially in mountain streams, is another source of joy, reminding him of the importance of being present and connecting with nature. Throughout the conversation, Matt emphasizes that having outside interests is mission-critical for humanizing the workplace and fostering lasting connections with colleagues.

Episode Highlights

· Matt emphasizes that hobbies like golf, fishing, and travel are essential for personal well-being and professional effectiveness. They make you a better person and leader.
· Golf isn’t just a game for Matt, but an opportunity to connect with others, enjoy nature, and continually challenge himself. The relationships and mental shifts he’s gained through golf have been life-changing.
· Inspired by his wife’s family, Matt believes experiencing new places and cultures expands your world and creates stories and bonds you carry throughout life.
· Using practices like EOS Meeting Segues, Matt brings people together at work by encouraging them to share personal 'wins' and outside interests, which boosts morale, builds trust, and deepens collaboration.
· Matt prioritizes his "Ands" and encourages the same for his teams, stressing that a culture of overwork isn’t healthy—real success is supporting each other’s full lives, goals, and well-being, both in and out of the office.