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

This week, Jessica speaks with Marianne Poon, Financial Advisor, Piano Teacher, and Registered Piano Technician.

The child of immigrants, Marianne grew up playing the piano and earned her diploma from the Royal Conservatory of Music. She won third place in the national finals of the Canadian Music Competition.

Marianne studied finance and economics at the University of Toronto and built her expertise in corporate finance, where she helped manage 4 billion dollars in institutional pension funds. Along the way, she earned her CFA credential and an MBA from UC Berkeley.

Today, she works as a financial advisor, piano teacher, and tunes and repairs pianos.

Marianne lives in Bethesda, Maryland, where she enjoys swimming, attending the opera, and spending time with her wife and their dog, Honey.

Learn more about Marianne at www.OnyxFN.com and www.mariannepoon.com.

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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: Registration + more details 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.

All are welcome, not just people who currently identify as Ampersands, but also aspiring Ampersands and supporters. :)

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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

In a special interview, Jessica speaks with her voice teacher of 20+ years, Susan Gundunas. Susan is a renowned singer and actor, voice teacher, and mom. Consistently praised for her consummate vocal talent and stage presence across the US and internationally, her notable roles include Donna Anna in Don Giovanni, Lucia di Lammermoor, Madama Butterfly, Violetta in La Traviata, and Carlotta in the Phantom of the Opera. A voice teacher for over 25 years, Susan has taught hundreds of students 1:1 in her private studio and at UC Berkeley, as well as in her Complete Package Performer Boot Camps. Susan studied Theatre Arts at Santa Clara University and began her career with San Jose Repertory Theatre and Opera San Jose. She is a proud mom of two boys, a stepson, and a stepdaughter.

Learn more about Susan at www.susangundunas.com and Susan’s vocal studio at www.susangundunasvocalstudio.com.

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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: Registration + more details 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.

All are welcome, not just people who currently identify as Ampersands, but also aspiring Ampersands and supporters. :)

~

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