When you finally reach the goal you’ve been working so hard for…what’s next?

In this episode, we tackle how to think about this tricky question.

If you’re a performer, creative leader, event organizer, athlete, writer, speaker, or goal-getter of any kind, this episode will resonate with you. Jessica reflects on the days and weeks after hosting The Ampersand Summit, and how to use the time after a peak experience to your advantage.

We talk about how…

• Achievement is not the endpoint

• To embrace the “in-between” time

• To move from reflection to action

• Regeneration (not just recuperation) might be what you need

• Why Ampersands have a unique advantage

We want to hear from you!

Leave us a voicemail at theampersandmanifesto.com/voicemail or email us at j@jessicawan.com.

~

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 – while also building a performing career as a singer. 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, we share reflections on community and the 5 essential types of people you need for a flourishing Ampersand life.

These 5 types aren’t mutually exclusive – you probably have a few individuals in your life who fit several categories:

1. The people who love you for you

2. The people who love your work

3. The teachers

4. The mentors

5. The ones on a mutual journey

Plus, listen for 6 and 7 - a couple of bonus categories to think about.

We want to hear from you!

Leave us a voicemail at theampersandmanifesto.com/voicemail or email us at j@jessicawan.com.

~

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.

~

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 – while also building a performing career as a singer. 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

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:

1. Lean into what works for you

2. Dial up, dial down

3. Progress, not perfection

4. Don't compare

5. Follow the breadcrumbs

We want to hear from you!

Leave us a voicemail at theampersandmanifesto.com/voicemail or email us at j@jessicawan.com.

~

Come hear Jessica sing, live in Berkeley on Sunday October 5th, 2025 at 4pm. RSVP here

~

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.

~

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