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
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, fitn
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 interd
6
May 20, 2026
Karin K. Jensen: The Strength of Water, Dance, and AAPI Advocacy
Jessica talks with Karin K. Jensen , writer, journalist, dancer, & dance instructor. Karin K. Jensen is a local news writer for the Alameda Post, where she covers local government and book reviews, and is the author of The Strength of Water, an Asian American Coming-of-Age Memoir , which received a coveted starred review from Kirkus and appeared on the annual Kirkus List of Top 100 Indie Books. It also won awards from The BookFest, International Book Awards, and the San Francisco Book Festival i
5
May 13, 2026
Tony Martignetti: Illuminating Hidden Brilliance through Leadership, Glassblowing, and Poetry
Jessica talks with Tony Martignetti , Leadership Advisor, Artist, & Creative Guide. Tony Martignetti is a leadership advisor who helps leaders navigate complexity without losing themselves. With over 30 years across high-tech and life sciences, he has worked where innovation, pressure, and uncertainty collide. His defining insight: brilliance doesn’t disappear in organizations; it goes dormant when people are asked to fragment themselves to perform. Through Inspired Purpose Partners, Tony design
4
May 6, 2026
Nicole Takesono Flowers: Leading with Empathy from the Opera Stage to Higher Ed
Jessica talks with Nicole Takesono Flowers , Opera Singer & Higher Ed Administrator. Originally from Hawaii, Nicole has garnered acclaim for her rich, warm mezzo-soprano voice and profound dedication to storytelling. She has graced the stages of esteemed companies such as the San Francisco Opera, Opera San Jose, West Edge Opera, Festival Opera, and West Bay Opera. Recently, she has shifted her focus to recital work, collaborating closely with guitarist Sharon Wayne. For over 20 years, she has se
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